First Python class that will spark curiosity and build a solid

foundation!

A plan, focusing on being engaging and practical:

Class Title: Your Python Journey Begins!

Duration: Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours (adjustable based on your

students’ pace and attention spans)

Learning Objectives: By the end of this class, students will be able to:

* Understand what Python is and why it’s a popular programming

language.

* Set up a basic Python development environment.

* Write and execute their first Python code.

* Grasp the fundamental concepts of variables and data types

(integers, floats, strings).

* Perform basic arithmetic operations in Python.

* Understand the concept of printing output to the console.

Materials Needed:

* Projector and screen

* Reliable internet access (for setup demonstrations)

* Text editor or IDE recommendations (e.g., VS Code, Sublime Text,

Thonny)

* Optional: Pre-prepared “cheat sheet” with basic syntax

Class Structure:

(0-15 minutes) Welcome & Introduction (Warm and Vibrant)

 * Icebreaker (2-3 minutes): Start with a quick, fun question to get
everyone engaged (e.g., “What’s one thing you hope to create or automate
with Python?”).

* What is Python? (5 minutes):

* Explain in simple terms what programming is and why we use it.

* Introduce Python as a versatile and readable language.

* Highlight its popularity in various fields (web development, data science,

automation, etc.) with relatable examples. Think: “Did you know Python
powers parts of Instagram and Netflix?”

 Briefly touch upon Python’s key features: readability, large

community, extensive libraries..?

* Why Learn Python? (5 minutes):

* Emphasize the benefits: career opportunities, problem-solving skills,

ability to automate tasks.

* Keep it encouraging and focused on what they can do with Python.

(15-35 minutes) Setting Up Your Python Playground (Trustworthy and

Efficient)

* Installation (10-15 minutes):

* Guide students through the Python installation process. Provide clear,

step-by-step instructions for their operating system (Windows, macOS,
Linux).

* Show a live demonstration if possible.

* Mention the importance of checking the “Add Python to PATH” option (on
Windows).

* Choosing a Code Editor/IDE (5 minutes):

 * Introduce a couple of beginner-friendly options (e.g., Thonny for
simplicity, VS Code with Python extension for more features later).

* For this first class, focus on keeping it simple. A basic text editor can even
work for initial examples.

* Explain what a code editor helps us do (write, save, and run code).

(35-65 minutes) Your First Lines of Python (Knowledgeable and Insightful,

Show Rather Than Tell)

* “Hello, World!” (10 minutes):

* Open a text editor or IDE.

* Guide them to write their first Python command:

Print(“Hello, World!”)

* Explain the print() function: “Think of print() as Python’s way of

talking to us, displaying information on the screen.”

* Show them how to save the file (e.g., hello.py) and run it from the
terminal or within the IDE.

* Celebrate their first successful program!

* Variables: Giving Names to Things (15 minutes):

* Introduce the concept of variables as containers for storing data.

* Demonstrate how to assign values to variables:

Message = “Welcome to Python!”

Number_of_students = 15

Pi_value = 3.14159

* Explain the rules for naming variables (descriptive, no spaces, start with
a letter or underscore).

* Show how to use variables with the print() function:

 Print(message)

Print(“There are”, number_of_students, “students in the class.”)

Print(“The value of pi is approximately”, pi_value)

* Data Types: Different Kinds of Information (10 minutes):

* Introduce the basic data types:

* Integer (int): Whole numbers (e.g., 10, -5, 0).

* Float (float): Decimal numbers (e.g., 3.14, -2.5).

* String (str): Sequences of characters enclosed in quotes (e.g., “Hello”,

“Python”).

* Show examples of assigning different data types to variables.

* Briefly mention the type() function to check the data type of a variable:

Print(type(number_of_students))

Print(type(pi_value))

Print(type(message))

(65-95 minutes) Playing with Numbers (Collaborative and

Situationally Aware)

* Basic Arithmetic Operations (15 minutes):

* Introduce the common arithmetic operators:

* Addition (+)

* Subtraction (-)

* Multiplication (*)

* Division (/)

* Integer Division (//)

* Modulo (remainder) (%)

* Exponentiation (**)
 * Provide simple examples and encourage students to try them out:

Num1 = 10

Num2 = 5

Print(“Addition:”, num1 + num2)

Print(“Subtraction:”, num1 – num2)

Print(“Multiplication:”, num1 * num2)

Print(“Division:”, num1 / num2)

* Explain the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS).

* Interactive Practice (15 minutes):

* Pose simple coding challenges for students to solve using what they’ve
learned (e.g., “Calculate the area of a rectangle given its length and width
stored in variables,” “Convert a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit”).

* Encourage them to ask questions and help each other. This fosters a
collaborative environment.

* Walk around and provide individual assistance.

(95-110 minutes) Getting Input and Saying Hello (Warm and Vibrant)

* The input() Function (10 minutes):

* Introduce the input() function to get information from the user.

* Explain that input() always returns a string.

* Demonstrate how to use it:

Name = input(“What is your name? “)

Print(“Hello,”, name + “!”)

 Show how to convert the input to a number if needed using int()

or float():
 Age_str = input(“How old are you? “)

Age = int(age_str)

Print(“You will be”, age + 1, “next year.”)

* Putting it Together (5 minutes):

* A simple exercise combining input() and print() (e.g., ask for two numbers
and print their sum).

(110-120 minutes) Wrap-up and Next Steps (Trustworthy and

Efficient, Open Minded and Respectful)

* Review (5 minutes): Briefly recap the key concepts covered: what

Python is, setting up, “Hello, World!”, variables, data types, basic
arithmetic, and print()/input().

* Q&A (5 minutes): Open the floor for questions.

* Looking Ahead (5 minutes):

* Briefly mention what will be covered in the next class (e.g., conditional
statements, loops).

* Provide resources for further learning (e.g., online tutorials,

documentation).

* Encourage them to practice what they’ve learned. Suggest small

exercises they can try on their own.

* End on an encouraging note, emphasizing that learning to code takes

time and practice.

Important Considerations for Your First Class:

* Keep it Engaging: Use real-world examples and analogies to make

concepts relatable.

* Go Slow and Steady: Don’t rush through the material. Ensure everyone
has a basic understanding before moving on.
 * Emphasize Practicality: Focus on writing and running code from the very
beginning.

* Be Patient and Supportive: Learning to code can be challenging initially.

Offer encouragement and help students overcome errors.

* Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge their progress and make them

feel good about learning.

* Encourage Questions: Create a safe and open environment where

students feel comfortable asking for help.

This plan provides a solid foundation for your introductory Python class.
Remember to adapt it based on your students’ background and learning
styles. Good luck!