What are blank key sheets?
A key sheet is an A4 page with lines for handwriting in the upper part and the key of a secret code in the lower part. Children write their message in code with a pen, cut off the key and hand both over separately – no computer needed. The generator is only needed for printing.
The five templates
- Symbol key “Shapes” – 30 geometric figures, the easiest set for early readers.
- Pigpen key – the classic grid cipher including umlauts.
- Symbol key “Animals” – fish, cat, owl and friends as silhouettes.
- Number code – A = 1 to Z = 26 in a clear table.
- Morse alphabet – letters and digits as dots and dashes.
Ideas for use
- Birthday party: every station of the treasure hunt gets a sheet, the key waits at the next station.
- Classroom: pair work – each child writes a question in code, the neighbour decodes and answers.
- At home: a secret message in the lunchbox, the key under the pillow.
Print your own message directly
If you would rather let the computer set the message, use the generator: enter text, pick a code, print. The templates here are meant for writing by hand.