Thinking sheet · Imagine and invent

Make Up a Language

Invent words and symbols for a secret language, then write a message in it.

Grades
3–6
Time
about 30 minutes
Kids practice
language awareness, codes and symbols, creativity

What kids do

“Invent your own language. Can a friend crack it?”

  1. My dictionary
  2. A secret message in my language:

How to run it

  • Talk about how different languages say hello.
  • Symbols can be simple doodles.
  • Partners try to crack each other’s message.

Talk about it

  • Who would speak your language?
  • Was it easier to invent words or symbols?
  • How do real languages get new words?

Take it further

Add ten more words.

Pairs well with

Free for home and classroom use. Print as many copies as you need.

More thinking sheets

Monster Recipe Card thinking sheet
Imagine and invent

Monster Recipe Card

Write the recipe for a food monster: ingredients, amounts and steps. Then draw what comes out of the oven.

Grades 1–5 · about 25 minutes

The What-If Machine thinking sheet
Imagine and invent

The What-If Machine

Feed a big “what if?” into the machine and draw the world that comes out the other side.

Grades 2–5 · about 30 minutes

Squiggle Starters thinking sheet
Imagine and invent

Squiggle Starters

Three squiggles, three new characters. Turn each line into something nobody else would think of.

Grades K–5 · about 15 minutes

See all 400 thinking sheets

Free for teachers

Get the free Classroom Drawing Kit

12 printable pages: six step-by-step lessons, a grid activity, draw-and-write sheets and teacher notes, sent with your welcome email. After that, new classroom printables by email.

Keep creating with Kevin

New book announcements and free drawing and coloring activity pages, delivered by newsletter.