[codeptualize]

That's puzzling to me, there are much better options imo. Between the two I would choose C++ though. The fun and purpose of code is running it, seeing the thing you wrote "come to life" is pretty essential imo, pseudocode sounds boring.

If not limited to the options mentioned I would go with Javascript.

It's easy to learn and covers the basics, while also having a common syntax similar to many other languages. No setup or installing needed, you just need a browser that everyone already has, it's very accessible. It's also probably the easiest way to get some UI and make something that can be used, being able to introduce buttons and inputs is great for getting people excited.

Otherwise I would go with Python. Maybe a bit more setup, but similar to JS in how quick you can get to results.

[john_the_writer]

Not a JS coder here.. Rails mostly..

But yeah. Javascript 100%. It's the easiest language to get things working, and it works on crappy systems, and it's fun.

I'd pick rails over python for two reasons. 1. tabbing for logic sucks to refactor. 2. Immutable data is a complexity that's not common, and might be something to cover later.

I'd add the use of GITHUB to the mix too. Projects and Issues are something key to every developers life.

My kids 12 (grade 7) and building an HTML/CSS/JS page on github is exciting and engaging. Static Blog, but fun.