Today we are making a spy decoder! Kids of all ages will love this spy decoder craft. This decoder is not only simple to make, but super cool. Send and decode secret messages from friends! This toilet paper roll craft is not only fun to make, but is a great way to get kids to use critical thinking and engage in pretend play. Make this spy decoder at home or in the classroom.

Coded Message Craft- child decoding a secret message with a decoder and pencil- kids activities blog — Let’s make a decoder and write secret messages!

Toilet Paper Roll Spy Decoder

With this spy decoder you can send secret messages! I think we all know that any note is more fun when it feels like you’re a spy. There are so many different ways for kids to make codes. You want one that is tough to crack, but not too hard.

This spy decoder allow kids to do just that. Plus it recycles toilet paper rolls which is always a benefit. So, without further ado, let’s make a spy decoder!

This post contains affiliate links.

Related: Check out this DIY spy kit in a box!

Supplies Needed To Make A Spy Decoder

How To Make A Spy Decoder

Step 1

Take your paper and cut a strip of it so it will wrap around your toilet paper roll with a 1/4 inch overlap.

Step 2

Cut that strip in half.

Step 3

On each half of the strip of paper, write out the alphabet. Make sure you space the letters out as equally as possible.

Coded Message Craft- child wrapping paper around a toilet paper roll with the alphabet- kids activities blog — You need 2 pieces of paper with the alphabet taped to your toilet paper roll.

Craft Note:

One strip of paper will have the letters written on the right edge and the other strip of paper will have the letters written on the left edge.

Step 4

Using the tape, you will secure the ends to each other. That will create a sleeve that you can slip on your toilet paper roll.

Step 5

Tape both strips of paper in this manner and then you will put them on your toilet paper roll. You should be able to rotate them.

How To Make A Code

Coded Message Craft- Child holding decoder- kids activities blog — Shift the letters to make the key for the person receiving the message.

Step 6

Making a code is easy! Spin the letter coils until the letters line up. You will then write down the position for the person getting the note.

I.E G=I or H=J

Step 7

Keep the spy decoder in that position and write out the code. When you’re done, rotate your letter sleeves so no one can see what position you had them in.

Step 8

Coded Message Craft- put the secret message in the decoder held by a child- kids activities blog — You can put your secret messages in the decoder.

Then roll your message up and put it into the spy decoder and give it to someone to see if they can crack your code!

How To Modify This Spy Decoder Craft For Younger Children

Moving the sleeves around may be tricky for little children. So, tape down one side so the other side moves. You can write the letters on the stable sleeve in 1 color and then write the code down with the same color so they can understand how to decode the note.

How To Modify This Spy Decoder Craft For Older Children

If you have older children, you can create a few decoder sleeves that sequence the alphabet in different ways from the first decoder. Coding each letter on the decoders differently using colors and symbols requires the person receiving the note to use different sleeves to crack the code. This is basically hard mode when it comes to code cracking!

Coded message craft- child with a slip of paper with a coded message, pencil, and decoder- kids activities blog — This is such a fun way to send messages to your friends.

Our Experience With This Spy Decoder Craft

We had so much fun with this decoder craft. We were able to pretend to be spies and write silly messages. Did you know secret codes actually help children practice reading and writing skill? It is also helpful when it comes to problem solving and critical thinking.

It was a little too hard for my toddler. So I just let her decorate toilet paper tubes while the older kids made decoders. It was a ton of fun!

We hope your kids have as much fun as mine did with this spy decoder craft.

Secret Message Decoder Craft For Kids

Let's make a secret message decoder using a toilet paper roll. Send your friends secret messages!

Materials

Toilet Paper Roll
Markers
Paper
Pencil
Tape
Scissors

Instructions

How To Make A Spy Decoder

Take your paper and cut a strip of it so it will wrap around your toilet paper roll with a 1/4 inch overlap.
Cut that strip in half.
On each half of the strip of paper, write out the alphabet. Make sure you space the letters out as equally as possible.
Using the tape, you will secure the ends to each other. That will create a sleeve that you can slip on your toilet paper roll.
Tape both strips of paper in this manner and then you will put them on your toilet paper roll. You should be able to rotate them.

How To Make A Code

Making a code is easy! Spin the letter coils until the letters line up. You will then write down the position for the person getting the note. I.E G=I or H=J
Keep the spy decoder in that position and write out the code. When you’re done, rotate your letter sleeves so no one can see what position you had them in.
Then roll your message up and put it into the spy decoder and give it to someone to see if they can crack your code!