So it’s Sunday morning and I’ve had a lie in but it appears that my god-kids have been up doing some maths this morning. My god-son Vinnie was up at 8 am and his sister Madison ploughed in after breakfast and there was some much-needed golden silence in their household – I know because I’ve seen the photos of Mads working hard!

The reason behind this is a pending visit to Bletchley Park that we are all going on the week after next (not the same day as some Maths Tweeters are going though I’m afraid!). To try to generate some interest for the kids I’ve emailed them – email is such a lovely way to keep in touch with them and it isn’t onerous either (we all remember “those” phone calls when you were handed the phone as a kid and you parents said “its aunty xyz .. talk to them” … awwwkwward!)  Anyway I’ve sent them the below text along with the first clue from a resource (you know the type with a list of suspects that can be eliminated following the completion of each clue … I’m not sharing here in case the kids try to cheat):

re: There’s been a murder … not really .. but go with it!

A murder was committed last night and as Chief Detective Officers, you have to solve the crime. You have a list of suspects and the murderer is on this list.

There were 5 witnesses and each has given me one clue to the identity of the murderer. The problem is that each clue used a different code so you have to use your amazing code‐breaking skills to solve them all.

I will email you a clue every day and have also attached clue 1 …. NO CHEATING by using the internet …. Once you have solved each clue you will be able to eliminate some of the suspects from your enquiries.

xxx M

The intention is that once we’ve solved this enquiry I’m going to continue to send them daily challenges to keep their interest going. For years this type of activity has been our “thang” … the first was when I’d left them a treasure hunt around the house when I was on holiday with them in Greece years ago and was going home, leaving them to continue their holiday. It culminated last Christmas when they hid my pressie and it took me hours – no exaggeration – to solve the clues they gave me!

I thought I’d share because their response has been so lovely (Vinnie was sooo excited and both are determined to be the first to solve the mystery!) and maybe it’s something you want to try with someone you know.

On the #blogaday front I’ve failed badly. Too busy having a life I’m afraid but I promise to try harder!