How the Decoder Works
Once you’ve used the instructions on the PDF Download to assemble your decoder you can either share that decoder with a friend or have them make an identical one. To use it, simply line up a letter on the outer band with one on the inner band and ensure only your friend has that two letter code. For instance if you line up the letter ‘T’ on the outer band with the letter ‘M’ on the inner band your key would be TM and once your decoder dials were lined up on those two letters you can begin coding and deciphering your own messages! You can just translate words into your own secret message by using your secret code letters on the inner dial in the place of the real spellings of words on the outer dial. As long as you and you friend keep your wheels aligned to the key you can read and write your own secret messages forever!
We’ve provided the templates to make two other decoder wheels, one with more complex symbols and one that is blank so that you can use colors, symbols, letters or whatever you like to form your secret code!
Learning to code and decode between sets of letters or symbols can be a valuable step for an early learner. By having the realization that some objects can represent other objects and then using a framework of rules to reveal that relationship, a child can be well on their way to success in STEM areas like Math and Programming.
Download Printable PDF
Related Worksheets
Crossword Puzzle Research Project – Animal Classifications
This crossword puzzle worksheet can be used as a stand-alone lesson or quiz for students more accustomed with Animal Classifications or used as an online research project for those with less exposure to the topic. Why Crossword Puzzles are a
Pattern Recognition Coloring
Working with patterns not only improves a child’s foundation for problem solving in all core learning activities, but expands the tool-set they have available when confronted with a new challenge. Just as an adult might have devised day-to-day strategies for
Complete the Sequences
Literally every aspect of what children learn today can benefit from a solid background in pattern recognition. While it is obvious that math, language, music and sports are all heavily based on pattern recognition, there are many other day-to-day activities
Word Search: (Science) Animals
Download our word search puzzle worksheet on animals. This one is recommended for around first grade level.
Find the Hidden Letters
Just the understanding that problems can be solved by looking for patterns can help children out dramatically. Understanding that counting by 2’s or 10’s can help them arrive at a solution faster than counting things one at a time can
Word Search: (Science) Insects
Download our free word search puzzle – all about insects. Recommended for around first grade level.