Logo and Turtle-graphics might still be the best way to get started: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logo_(programming_language) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logo

Logo and Turtle-graphics might still be the best way to get started: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logo_(programming_language) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logo_(programming_language) The advantage is that the kid can see immediate visual effect of the code, it is easy to understand and it can introduce more advanced concepts (functions), also it might direct curiosity towards robotics. It is very simple and intuitive and there must be some open source version for every platform.