How to Make your iPad into a Secret Message Decoder

I recently discovered that I can set my iPad or iPhone up to decode Secret Message activities!

This means that if you have a newer Apple device, with iOS10 or higher, you don't need to purchase one of the decoder options or spend time making a decoder; simply follow the directions below to adjust the color settings on your device and then set a shortcut so that you can access the Red Tint  setting quickly!

First, you need to enable the 'Red Tint' setting.

Go into SETTINGS - GENERAL - ACCESSIBILITY - DISPLAY ACCOMMODATIONS - COLOR FILTERS. Next, click the toggle at the top to turn on the color filters option.

Scroll down until you see sliders for Intensity and Hue; slide both all the way to the right for red. The red tint will not show up in pictures or screenshots, but will alter what can be seen through the camera on the screen.

Your screen will look a bit like this with the red tint on:

For quick and easy access to this setting, you'll want to set up a shortcut.

Go into SETTINGS - GENERAL- ACCESSIBILITY - ACCESSIBILITY SHORTCUT. Click on the 'Color Filters' option on the list. Now the red tint setting can be easily accessed by triple clicking the home button. If you have multiple accessibility shortcuts set up, you'll need to choose the Color Filters option from the list

When you go to use your shortcut, you'll press the home button quickly three times. Depending up on what app you have open, you might have to choose 'Color Filters' from a list of shortcuts you have set up. It looks like this:

Now you're ready to use your device to reveal the hidden words in one of my Secret Message Literacy Centers! But before you get started, I highly suggest making sure that your device is well protected just incase it's dropped!

Simply turn on the Red Tint setting and then go to the Camera App. Point the camera of your device at one of the Red/Blue Secret Message cards to reveal the hidden word; you will be able to view the word on the screen of your device like this:

Give this activity a try with this FREEBIE! It includes the first 10 Fry Sight Word Secret Message cards, 3 different recording worksheets and an answer key.

For more Secret Message activities check out THESE posts: 

Literacy Center: Secret Message CVC Words

Looking for something new and unique to add to your classroom literacy centers?! I've got just the thing!

After creating these Secret Message Sight Word activities, I was inspired to create a similar activity for CVC words. It works exactly the same as my Secret Message Sight Word activity:

1. Print & Prep - There isn't really too much to do to get this activity ready. Simply print the word cards on white card stock and laminate for durability. There are 20 word cards divided into two sets; the sets are clearly marked with a shape in the upper right hand corner. Two printing options are included: full color pictures OR black and white outline pictures. However, the cards still MUST be printed in color on white paper for the activity to work properly!

2. Make or Buy a Decoder - Instructions for creating a decoder window from dollar store materials are included; all that you'll need is cards stock, glue, scissors and red cellophane. If you don't feel like making a decoder, it's also possible to purchase a decoder pretty cheaply. See some suggestions below!

3. Choose a Worksheet - Choose and print the recording sheet that is most appropriate for your students. There are many differentiated options so all of your students will be able to enjoy this activity at their level! Options include: write the word in Elkonin boxes, fill in initial, middle and final sounds in Elkonin boxes, write or trace the word with or without lines, color the picture (great for non-writers!), color and trace, and color/say/segment. There's also an answer key so that students can check their own work.

   

4. Set Up & Teach the Center - The activity can be set up as either a Write the Room activity or a stationary literacy center; you decide what's best for you students! Show your students how the activity works; they'll catch on quickly and will actually be eager to read the hidden words!

Still not sure about this activity? Try this Secret Message Sight Words SAMPLE pack that includes 10 Fry sight words and the recording worksheets. It's perfect for a mini literacy center!

To find other Secret Message activities, click on the pictures below:

          

Here are some of the things  you might need to make or buy a red filter decoder:

  

Literacy Centers: Secret Message Activities

My own son was struggling with learning his sight words AND he absolutely hated practicing! So, I started brainstorming fun ways for him to practice his words...

We tried many different ideas from building words with letter magnets to rainbow writing to making them with pipe cleaners... By far, his absolute FAVORITE way to practice words was this Secret Message activity:

Here's how it works:

1. Print & Prep - There isn't really too much to do to get this activity ready. Simply print the word cards on white card stock, laminate for durability and cut the cards out. The cards MUST be printed in color for the activity to work!

2. Make or Buy a Decoder - Instructions for creating a decoder window from dollar store materials is included; all that you'll need is cards stock, glue, scissors and red cellophane. If you don't have time to make a decoder (or maybe you're not very crafty?), it's also possible to either set up an iPad or iPhone to use as a decoder or purchase a decoder pretty cheaply.

3. Choose a Worksheet - Choose and print the recording sheet that is most appropriate for your students. There are many differentiated options as well as a blank option to be used with any set of 10 word cards from the pack.

4. Set Up & Teach the Center - The activity can be set up as either a Write the Room activity or a stationary literacy center; you decide what's best for you students! Show your students how the activity works; they'll catch on quickly and will actually be eager to read the hidden words!

Here's a clip of my son practicing his words in the dark before bed using a little red LED flashlight keychain as the decoder:

Still not sure about this activity? Try this Secret Message Sight Words SAMPLE pack that includes 10 Fry sight words and the recording worksheets. It's perfect for a mini literacy center!

Find other Secret Message literacy activities HERE:

           

Here are some of the things you might need in order to make or buy a red filter decoder: