Thinking sheet · Brain games and puzzles

Mirror Message

Write a secret message backwards so it can only be read in a mirror.

Grades
2–5
Time
about 20 minutes
Kids practice
letter shapes, reflection symmetry, concentration

What kids do

“Write your message backwards! Only a mirror can read it.”

  1. My message, written the normal way:
  2. Now backwards (start at the right and flip each letter):
  3. A mirror picture to go with it
  4. Letters that look the same in a mirror:

How to run it

  • Hand mirrors help a lot. Kids can check as they go.
  • Start with one short word, like your name.
  • Which letters look the same flipped? (A, H, M, O…)

Talk about it

  • Which letters were hardest to flip?
  • Why are some letters symmetrical?
  • Where have you seen mirror writing?

Take it further

Write a mirror message to a friend and give them a mirror.

Pairs well with

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

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