A cryptogram is a word puzzle and also a fun way to send messages to others in a secret code.

Cryptograms were originally used by Spartan armies in fifth century B.C. as a way to send messages between soldiers without the enemy knowing what they were saying. But now, thousands of years later, the puzzles are used as a way to challenge people’s thinking.

Cryptograms are made by replacing letters in a word or sentence with other letters to disguise them. For example, a cryptogram code can change the letter C to D, the letter A to F, and the letter T to G. To spell the word “cat” using the cryptogram code, you would write DFG. This may sound a bit confusing, but once you get the hang of it, it can be quite fun!

Try creating a cryptogram puzzle for your friends to solve. Start by writing the entire alphabet on a piece of paper. Next, write the letter A underneath the letter B. Write the letter B underneath the letter C. Write the letter C underneath the letter D, and so on. When you get to the end of the alphabet, write the letter Z underneath the letter A.

Now you have your original “real” alphabet and your secret code alphabet. When you want to write a message to one of your friends, look at the letter you need in the top line, but write the letter that’s underneath it in the bottom line. For example, if you wanted to write the name Periwinkle, you would write QFSJXJOLMF.

 Try it with your name and try creating your own cryptogram code!

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