Learn and play with Morse code—simple dots and dashes that turn light or sound into secret messages.
It’s calm, screen-free fun that supports spelling, listening, and teamwork between parents, carers, and kids.
Materials
- Torch (cover with red cellophane and an elastic band if using in a dark room, optional)
- Paper or card to make a small Morse code key (A–Z, 0–9)
- Pencil and marker
- Masking tape
- Kitchen timer or stopwatch (optional)
- Small buzzer with battery and wires (optional, adult help)
- Beads and elastic (optional, for code bracelets)
Tools
- Scissors (adult use or supervised)
- Hole punch (optional, for hanging the code key)
Steps
View the Morse Code here: https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/museums/undersea/education/Morse%20Code.pdf
- Make a code key: Draw a simple card with dots (short) and dashes (long) for a few letters to start (E = ·, T = —, S = ···, O = ———, A = ·—, N = —·). Add more as confidence grows.
- Pick your signal: Choose light (torch on/off) or sound (gentle taps on the table). Decide who sends first.
- Learn the rhythm: A dot is one beat; a dash is three beats. Pause one beat between parts of a letter, three beats between letters, and seven beats between words. Keep it relaxed.
- Practise SOS: Try the famous signal SOS = ··· ——— ···. Swap roles.
- Send a name: Encode a first name or favourite snack. The receiver writes down each letter as it’s decoded.
- Secret sentence: The sender chooses a short sentence (e.g., “Tea time”). Use the timer to see how long it takes—then try to beat it.
- Mini missions: Hide a note in the next room; send its location in Morse. Or play “Code & Seek”—the hider taps/flash-codes a single clue word.
Variations
- Torch Talk: Sit across the room and use covered torches for low-glare signals.
- Tap Telegraph: Use a wooden spoon and a saucepan base for clear, gentle taps (not too loud).
- Code Bracelets: White bead = dot, long bead = dash, blue bead = letter gap. Make a bracelet that spells a secret word.
- Treasure Trail: Place 3–4 clue cards around the home/garden; each clue is in Morse leading to a small prize.
- History Link: Look up a real ship or explorer and send a short “radio” message they might have used.
Why It’s Great
- Listening & rhythm – Matching beats builds attention and timing.
- Spelling confidence – Encoding and decoding reinforces letter patterns.
- Teamwork – Clear turn-taking and patience make success feel shared.
- Creative play – Secret missions and treasure trails spark imagination.
- Real-world context – A gentle intro to how messages travelled before mobiles.
Safety Tips
- Avoid shining torches into eyes; use a red cover for comfort in darker spaces.
- Keep tapping gentle and away from glass or polished furniture.
- Supervise scissors, batteries, and any wiring; adults handle electrical parts.
- Use short, tidy lengths of string to reduce trip and choke hazards; pack away after play.
- Be considerate of neighbours—keep light signals and noise indoors or at reasonable times.
Story Prompt Ideas
- “Stranded on an island, the team must send one Morse message—what do they say?”
- “A secret agent needs help—what three-word code will save the day?”
- “A lighthouse keeper spots trouble—send a message to the harbour.”
- “On the Moon base, the radio breaks—how will they communicate?”
- “Treasure is hidden nearby—what coded clue points the way?”
- “Two birds tap a rhythm on the roof—what are they trying to tell us?”
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