FREE Back to School 'Mystery Message' Ice-Breaker Activity

The Sydney Teacher Blog

FREE Back to School 'Mystery Message' Ice-Breaker Activity

Back to School Printable PDF Ice-Breaker Activity Pack

FREE ANZAC Activity Pack Reading FREE Back to School 'Mystery Message' Ice-Breaker Activity 2 minutes

Heading back to school after a break? Whether it’s the start of a new school year or a fresh term, finding the right activity to re-engage students can set the tone for a positive and exciting return to the classroom.

This FREE Mystery Message Pack is the perfect low-prep, high-engagement resource to welcome your students back!

Inside, you’ll find 10 secret messages that students decode using a Pigpen Cipher—a simple substitution cipher where letters are hidden inside grid shapes that look like pig pens. It’s a visual and hands-on activity that feels like solving a puzzle, making it ideal for sparking curiosity and building focus.

Each message reveals a welcoming or motivational message, specially designed to boost student morale and help them transition smoothly after the holidays or term break.

Whether you’re returning in January, after Easter, or Term 3, this printable resource is a fantastic icebreaker that promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and a little bit of mystery.

Want your free Mystery Message Pack? Just enter your email below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! It’s an easy and fun way to start any school term with smiles, connection, and confidence.


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