Comments on: Writing in Secret Code Motivates Reluctant Writers

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:25:32 +0000

In reply to wordplayhouse®. thanks - sure get kids thinking, don't they?

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:25:00 +0000

In reply to Myrna Hoffman. so true!

By: Myrna Hoffman

Myrna Hoffman — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:48:53 +0000

Ahhh, that sweet feeling of mastery that comes from solving visual puzzles!

By: wordplayhouse®

wordplayhouse® — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:23:18 +0000

Our daughter has been enthralled by codes and ciphers for a long while. Something mysterious, something to figure out, something she can make herself. A nice collection of links and ideas here.

By: Megan Frances Abrahams

Megan Frances Abrahams — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:00:13 +0000

These are such fun ideas! We loved writing secret messages written in lemon juice when we were kids.

By: maryanne @ mama smiles

maryanne @ mama smiles — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 17:09:21 +0000

I had completely forgotten about ciphers, and that is a new-to-me recipe for invisible ink! Thanks for both!

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 14:35:39 +0000

This post and Pragmatic Mom’s response have captured my heart! What a powerful connection to the concept of ‘code!’ It is critical that the real experiences of the Dine people of the Navajo Nation, and other American Indian nations and communities are addressed in history classes starting in elementary.
And… Language is so deep, isn’t it? Both the ‘code’ aspect and the way languages reflect a people’s worldview are amazing aspects of literacy learning–and intriguing to kids– and they are not often addressed in classrooms. Indigenous languages are complex and deep and it would be beneficial to older students to have the opportunity to explore this as well.
Recently, in American education in general, we have emphasized the code aspect of literacy and this post adds playfulness to that. Fluent readers and writers will have a blast and also strengthen their flexibility with use of symbols and with letter formation. Another cool experience would be to explore syllabic writing systems of this country such as the Cree language.

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 22:21:37 +0000

In reply to PragmaticMom. Very true! I haven't read the book but I will. True heroes!