[throwaway_java]

I don't think it's about being able to read text written in rows, although if you can't see that kids aren't particularly good at that initially, then you mustn't have spent much time with kids. (Hint, they learn to "read" with picture books and then books with like 5 words on a page.)

The same reason they learn to ride a bike on one with 12 inch wheels instead of 700c. Or cook using recipes with 3 ingredients.

Simplified versions for learning are a good thing.

First they grasp the basics using something simple, then they push the boundaries of that simplified version, and then they extend to the next step up.

The same way I learn at 33 years old, by the way.