Ciphers for the little folks : A method of teaching the greatest work of Sir Francis Bacon, baron of Verulam, viscount St. Albans

The book invites teachers and parents to turn cryptography into a playful classroom adventure. Using Francis Bacon’s biliteral cipher as a foundation, each lesson pairs simple hand‑made objects, sounds or motions with the letters A and B, letting children discover hidden words through blocks, paper folding, or finger signals. The introductory sections explain the historical cipher while keeping the focus on concrete, tactile activities that capture young attention.

Lessons progress gradually, beginning with the basic 24‑letter code and moving toward increasingly sophisticated secret‑message games. Detailed notes guide adults on how to adapt the exercises—stretching or shortening them—to fit a particular group’s needs, while encouraging careful penmanship and observation skills. An appendix on the alphabet’s origin adds a scholarly touch, making the whole program a bridge between playful discovery and foundational literacy.