http://karel.sourceforge.net/
Technically my first exposure to programming was a loop in BASIC that printed hello world, however, I was fond of Karel as my second encounter with programming.
It has a very small instruction set (prevents kids from being overwhelmed and forces them build more tools with procedures) and can keep their interest because it is a game/puzzle.
Slashdot Mirror
http://karel.sourceforge.net/ Technically my first exposure to programming was a loop in BASIC that printed hello world, however, I was fond of Karel as my second encounter with programming. It has a very small instruction set (prevents kids from being overwhelmed and forces them build more tools with procedures) and can keep their interest because it is a game/puzzle.