Secret Code Words

Decode a substitution-cipher symbol into its corresponding uppercase or lowercase letter using the two code-key pages.

Blend decoded letters into words organized by short-vowel, long-vowel, digraph, R-controlled, and diphthong patterns.

Recognize and write out Fry's first 100 sight words using the code key.

Apply the code independently to encode personal information — one's own name, state, and the current month.

Hand out or post both code-key pages (uppercase and lowercase) before starting, since students reference them on every decoding page.

Use the set as a self-directed independent activity or station while working with another small group.

Sequence the code-word pages in the order they are organized — short vowels, digraphs, R-controlled vowels, diphthongs, then long vowels — before moving to the ten sight-word pages.

Save the bonus name/state/month page for after students are comfortable with the code, since it requires encoding rather than decoding.

Letter-symbol decoding — students match each of the 26 code symbols to its letter using the two key pages.

Short and long vowel word decoding — students decode words built from each individual short and long vowel pattern.

Digraph and vowel-pattern decoding — students decode words containing the SH/CH/TH digraphs, R-controlled AR/ER, and the OW/OY/OO diphthongs.

Sight word recognition — students decode and write out 100 grade-1 Fry sight words across ten pages.

Independent encoding — students use the code key in reverse to write their own name, state, and the current month.