I am an advocate for using Python as a first language and for using programming as a tool to explore abstract concepts and technology literacy (Informatics) starting in elementary and middle school. Here is a book written for kids using Python that looks like it can support making Python accessible to younger learners.
Hello World! Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners
The book is written by the father and son pair of Warren D. Sande and Carter Sande.
Here is an interview with Warren and Carter on Canadian Television with the authors:
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/clip186877
Here is the web site for the book including several sample chapters:
http://www.manning.com/sande/
This is very cool and I will buy the book and then review it in more detail.
On first glance looking at the sample chapters and table of contents, it looks well suited for K-12 applications since has many short chapters, gets into graphics quickly using its own GUI (easygui), and is careful to have lots of additional explanation in areas that readers might have questions. Of course since Carter Sande is still in K12 it is very natural to have it structured properly for K12.
Perhaps after students get done with Warren and Carter’s book – the students and teachers will want to learn HTML and do web programming on Google App Engine! And of course there is a book for that – Using Google App Engine.
This all moves us further down the path of technology literacy based on foundations of open source technology and transforming K-20 education to include technology literacy at the right places.
Congratulations to Warren and Carter!