This activity is perfect for budding code-breakers! Kids will learn to use Morse code, developing their understanding of language and communications while learning a skill for life. Of course, you’ll need to learn it too if you want to decipher what they say!
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Fun fact!
Morse code was invented in the 19th Century. It can be ‘spoken’ in many ways including through light, sound and even blinking!
Equipment needed
- A copy of the Morse code alphabet – as illustrated
- A pen or pencil
- Some paper (squared paper helps!)
About the activity
Morse code replaces the 26 letters of the alphabet and 10 numerical digits with a collection of dots, dashes and spaces. The best way to learn Morse code is to practise separating each word into letters and then converting each letter into code using the Morse code alphabet. Try starting with something simple, like your child’s name. Look at your copy of the Morse code alphabet alongside these five rules and practice, practice, practice!
The length of a dot (di) is one unit
A dash (dah) is three units
The space between dots and dashes is one unit (a small space)
The space between letters is three units (a medium space)
The space between full words is seven units (a big space)
When you’re feeling more confident, try writing secret messages to each other in the car using Morse code!