Comment by hnlmorg

I usually start with game: guess the number.

The computer generates a random number between 1 and 100. And you have to guess. When you’re too high, the computer says “too high” and likewise when you’re too low.

It’s a great starter program because it teaches you strings (the output printed), integers, comparisons, conditionals, and iteration (you keep guessing until you get it right). And the whole thing only take around 20 lines (give or take).

Then the kids plays a few games of that.

And after the novelty of that game wears off, I tell them to customise it however they want. Eg different messages, different ranges to guess from, etc.

It’s the same way I teach Python to primary school / kindergarten kids.

The nice things about this is even if the kids don’t learn and remember the basic primitives, they still get a feel of “proper” coding in the same way that we did when we grew up. And they still get something they can play, even if the game itself is super basic (no pun intended).

I’m not saying this will work with every child, though. All kids are different. But it’s been super successful both at home and in the schools I’ve helped out at.