Looking for a fun, screen-free activity for a rainy afternoon? Our Ogham Alphabet Fun Activity Sheet is a lovely way to mix a bit of history with a secret code your kids will love cracking. It’s free to download and easy to print at home, so it’s perfect for a quiet moment indoors.
If you’ve never come across the Ogham alphabet before, don’t worry – our activity sheet explains it simply and gives kids a chance to try writing in it themselves.
Ogham Alphabet Fun
What is the Ogham Alphabet?
Ogham is pronounced either “o-em” or “ohm.” The alphabet is thought to be named after the Irish god Ogma. Around 500 Ogham inscriptions have been found across Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England and the Isle of Man, dating from between the 4th and 7th centuries AD – most of them carved onto standing stone monuments.
The alphabet itself is made up of a series of simple marks, each representing a letter, with many of the letters named after trees and plants from the natural world.
Free Ogham Alphabet Fun Activity Sheet
Our free downloadable Ogham Alphabet Activity Sheet includes:
- Information on this ancient alphabet
- Step-by-step instructions on how to write in Ogham
- A secret message for your child to decode
- A blank page so your child can practise writing their own message in Ogham
You can download your free Ogham Alphabet Fun Activity Sheet here.
You might also enjoy: How to Write a Secret Message Using the PigPen Cipher
The idea for this activity came from omniglot.com, a brilliant resource for exploring alphabets, languages and writing systems from around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is the Ogham alphabet activity sheet suitable for?
It works well for primary school-aged children, especially those who enjoy codes, puzzles or learning bits of history. Younger children may enjoy it with a bit of help from a parent or older sibling.
Do I need any special materials to use the activity sheet?
No – just print the sheet at home and grab a pen or pencil. It’s a simple, low-mess activity that’s ready to go straight after printing.
Is the Ogham alphabet Irish?
Ogham has strong Irish roots and many of the surviving inscriptions have been found in Ireland, though examples also turn up in Scotland, Wales, England and the Isle of Man.
Can this be used for a school project?
Yes, it’s a handy way to introduce kids to an ancient writing system alongside a bit of history, and it doubles nicely as a fun, hands-on history or literacy activity.
Looking for More Rainy Day Ideas?
If you enjoyed this activity, why not browse our other rainy day ideas for more screen-free ways to keep the kids entertained at home? Save this page so you have the Ogham activity sheet handy whenever you need a quick, easy activity.
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Did your child try the Ogham Alphabet activity sheet? We’d love to hear how they got on – let us know in the comments below.
