Winter Decoder Wheel – Winter Worksheet for Kids
Solve these winter-themed riddles with the winter decoder wheel! A fun printable activity and winter worksheet for kids this holiday and winter season.
It’s the 12th and final day of my series “12 Days of Holiday Crafts”. Today I’m excited to share a fun winter decoder wheel with you. This is a great winter-themed activity for kids that is simple to prepare. Print it at home for your child to do on a snowy day or use it in the classroom.
Around this time of year, my children often have special activities or class parties in school. They are usually winter-themed with lots of fun activities focused on the season. This decoder wheel is a great classroom activity. It can be used as a learning tool for younger children or a quick activity for older kiddos.
Decoder wheels are an simple activity to prepare. Simply print the activity and assemble the decoder wheel using a brad. I love creating decoder wheels for holidays and different seasons. Check out my other decoder wheels!
How to Make a Winter Decoder Wheel
Supplies Needed:
- Winter Decoder Wheel Printables
- Complete Decoder Wheel set and editable file is in my Etsy Shop
- Grab a sample of two free riddles by filling out the purple form at the end of this post.
- White cardstock for decoder wheel
- I used Neenah 110 lb white paper
- 65-80 lb paper will also work like this Astrobright 65lb paper
- Scissors
- Push pin
- Brad – I used a tiny blue brads
- Paper trimmer – handy for cutting out riddles
How to Assemble the Decoder Wheel
The decoder wheel is easy to create. Simply print the decoder wheel on white cardstock and carefully cut out both circles with a scissors. Layer the circles together, with the smaller one on top, and poke a hole in the center of both using a push pin. Attach the layers together with a brad in the center. The wheel should rotate easily.
You can use a paper trimmer to cut out the coded riddles.
How to Use a Cipher Wheel
For each riddle the “KEY” will tell you how to set the wheel. For example if the riddle’s KEY is “S is for SLED”. Spin the wheel until the sled picture lines up with the letter “S” and then you are ready to solve!
Make sure to check the key for each riddle as each one is different. For younger kids, it may be helpful to cut apart the riddles to help them remember to change their wheel to a new key.
How to Create Your Own Coded Messages
My decoder wheels are a reader favorite and I have had lots of requests to make an editable version so you can write your own secret message for kids to solves. Since I use hand-drawn illustrations on my decoder wheel, it is tricky to write your own secret messages without access to the little images. I have finally figured out a way to make that happen using a PowerPoint file.
The editable PowerPoint is available with the printables in my Etsy shop. All of the symbols, along with several pre-made keys, are ready for you to create your own message. I have even started a birthday message for you on one of the slides! Copy and paste the images to write your own message.
Whether you are writing a secret message for your kids, classroom or to use in a homemade escape room, the PowerPoint will help you get creative!
Where to Download the Files
- My Winter Wonderland Decoder wheel printables are available to download from my Etsy shop and include 20 riddles plus an editable PowerPoint file (you need Microsoft PowerPoint to use the editable file) so you can write your own encrypted messages!
- You can also download two free riddles by filling out the purple form at the end of this post.
Thank you so much for joining me for these past twelve days for holiday crafting! Visit my page, 12 Days of Holiday Crafts, to see all 12 projects.
More Fun Decoder Wheels
Get a Free Sample of the Winter Decoder Wheel!
Fill out the purple form below with your first name and email address! The free file will be sent straight to your inbox! If you have already filled out the form below, don’t worry – you won’t be added to my list twice! This freebie is for personal use only. I hope you enjoy crafting something special. Please let me know if you have any questions :)
