I did it this way us9ing Lua and Love2d (love2d.org): Teach them what data is: numbers, strings of characters, true or false statements. Let them play in the i

I did it this way us9ing Lua and Love2d (love2d.org): Teach them what data is: numbers, strings of characters, true or false statements. Let them play in the interpreter. Let them see the computer work for them. Teach them that a variable is just the name of a box and the value is the contents. Then introduce tables. Just like a set of boxes with labels. Then simple control flow. Now you can introduce them to Love2d and start them off making simple graphics programs. Eight hours or so later, they can code small games using Love and will understand each line. Then you can leave them to their own devices and point them at further resources.