[matthjensen]

This critique underestimates the value of language and concrete diction for learning concepts.

If a child learns the definition of key words, she'll carry the concepts they represent with her forever. Once she know knows "map", "value", and "key", she will own the concepts, Map, Value, and Key.

Definitions give a child the opportunity to learn -- and a parent the opportunity to teach -- valuable concepts that will enrich her world.

[eevilspock]

No, I don't think it underestimates at all. Saying they should learn more fundamental concepts first doesn't mean don't stretch them. For example, seed the ideas of physics early (mass, energy, gravity), because those are things that actually exist around them and for which you can reinforce by pointing them out. But "map" and "key" and "garbage collection"? Those are far too specific, certainly not fundamental, and have no real world analog that is meaningful for them.

If you really really want to impart to them the concept of software, then do that! The phrase "garbage collection" is not important. The idea of a program and that it makes the stuff they see happen on the screen is what is key. @partycoder has the right idea: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=15881930

(I work with children and am respected for my ability to teach them sophisticated ideas.)