Printable DIY Secret Message Decoder Wheel for Kids
Kids can make their own DIY secret spy decoder wheel for writing and decoding secret messages. Use the free printable and make a secret code!
Servings: 1 DIY Secret Code Message Decoder
Cost: $1
Equipment
- Scissors
Ingredients
- 2 copies 2 copies of the Free Printable DIY Secret Message Decoder Wheel
- Cardstock paper
- Scissors
- Brass Brad (Paper fastener)
- Paper and pen
- Colored pencils or markers if you want to decorate your wheel or message optional
Instructions
- So you will need to make 2 copies of the Decoder Wheel, one for you and the other for the person receiving the secret message.Here is the link: Free Printable DIY Secret Message Decoder Wheel.I recommend printing the wheel out on card stock paper so it isn't floppy when you work with it.
- So you’re going to cut both circles out on the outside line.The next thing we do to put our decoder together is to punch a little hole in the center of both circles. This is where the paper fastener will go through.
- Next we line up the two circles and put a brass brad through the center. Push the paper fastener through the center of the circles from the front to the back. They go through the two holes that you just made.Note: Remember that the smaller circle goes on top of the larger circle with the printing showing. Turn it over and on the back you will open up the two prongs of the brass brad to keep it in place.
- Start by writing your message down on a piece of paper. This will help you spell your words correctly and not forget a letter when making the secret message.With your message in front of you, you know what all of the letters are.Let’s write our message: "You are a very good friend."
- Right now I set the secret message decoder wheel so that A matches up with A on both wheels. We won’t keep it set this way because there would be no secret code as A would equal A (A=A).So I’m going to switch around the center circle and line up the A on the outer dial with U of the inner wheel.So the code would be A=U or A=17 (the small number next to the letter U on the inner wheel).When I send my message I need to let them know that A=U (or A=17). And I need to include a Secret Message Decoder Wheel.
- Now I’m going to hold my decoder and set it to the code A=U. I find the A on the outer wheel and then turn the inner wheel so that the U lines up with the corresponding letter A on the larger circle.I’ll write my secret message with the new letters on the inner circle.I need to hold the decoder so that it doesn’t spin and the two wheels stay lined up so that A=U. Your original message of “You are a very good friend ends up- SIO ULY U PYLS AIIX ZLCYHX. And that is my secret message!
- To decipher or be able to read the secret code, set the decoder wheel on the code that was given (A=U). Keep the wheel in your hand and don’t turn the wheel as you are working deciphering the message.Look at the first letter of the secret message. Find it on the inner wheel of the secret message decoder. See what letter on the outer wheel is lined up with it.I find it helpful to write down each letter on paper as you go so you don’t forget!
Video
Notes
What is fun is that you can change this code every time you write a message.
Note: Be sure to leave spaces in between the words of your message.