Crypto Mind Benders® develop mathematical reasoning and critical thinking skills that are vital to achieving academic and lifelong success. They are great for introducing children to encryption, algebraic thinking, and basic computer programming operations.

Crypto Mind Benders® compel children to break a secret code so they can identify a hidden joke or quotation. To break the code, children must apply logic and mathematical reasoning to 3 sets of clues. The challenge is getting all the information out of each clue! Once children break the code, they can solve the cryptogram by substituting the numbers with their corresponding code letters. The Quotations book familiarizes children with classic quotations from famous thinkers such as Albert Einstein, Voltaire, Socrates, and more! The Jokes edition familiarizes children with classic, good-humored, jokes that both kids and adults enjoy.

Crypto Mind Benders® develop several of the deductive thinking skills taught in the award-winning Mind Benders® series without the use of word problems. This feature makes these thinking-rich activities easier to use with non-English speakers. The classic quotes and jokes also help ELL/ESL learners further understand the English language and culture. Perfect for school, home, and travel, they are popular as brain jump-start, extra credit, sponge, or reward activities. The exercises are also great for adult cognitive maintenance.

Table of Contents

Why Use This Book
About the Author
Basic Instructions
Teaching Suggestions
Symbols Used in the Clues
Sample Activity
Activities
Detailed Solutions

Basic Instructions

Carefully analyze each set of clues to find the value of each letter in the chart. Then use the letter values to solve the cryptogram (code) to discover the famous quotation or joke.

Start with the most obvious clues and then deduce less obvious associations until you identify all the letter values. We recommend using + for true and − for false to keep it simple. However many other notation strategies can be used. Please note the bolded dashes in the quote or joke (answer) means a capital letter should be used.

Teaching Suggestions

If students become stumped or frustrated, help them find an answer, but refrain from giving them the answer. Instead try to help your students find the reasoning process that leads them to the answer.

Group problem-solving (when this option is available) is another popular way to solve these puzzles. It can also be used to help students through a difficult problem or section of a problem.

Have fun and remember to praise a student's perseverance.

Symbols Used in the Clues

# number
< less than
> greater than
= equals
¡Ù does not equal
¡Ü less than or equal to
¡Ý greater than or equal to
+ plus
− minus
¡Á multiply
¡Â divide