🐍 Python Setup Guide
Create the perfect offline learning environment
⏱️ Setup Time: 20-30 minutes • 🎯 Goal: Distraction-free Python environment
📥 Step 1: Download Anaconda (While Online)
What to Download:
- • Go to anaconda.com/download
- • Choose Windows version
- • Download Individual Edition (free)
- • File size: ~500MB (Anaconda3-2024.xx-Windows-x86_64.exe)
Also Download These References:
- • "Python for Kids" PDF - No Starch Press
- • "Think Python" PDF - Green Tea Press (free)
- • Python documentation - Save docs.python.org pages
⚙️ Step 2: Install Anaconda (Can Be Offline)
Installation Steps:
- 1. Double-click the downloaded .exe file
- 2. Choose "Just Me" (recommended)
- 3. Accept default installation path
- 4. ✅ Check "Add Anaconda to PATH"
- 5. ✅ Check "Register Anaconda as default Python"
- 6. Click Install (takes 10-15 minutes)
⚠️ Important:
Make sure to check both PATH options during installation. This prevents the "jupyter not recognized" error.
🚀 Step 3: Launch Spyder (Recommended for Kids)
Why Spyder is Perfect:
- • No server issues - runs as desktop app
- • Simple interface - code on left, results on right
- • Variable explorer - see "mystery numbers" change
- • 100% offline - no internet distractions
How to Launch:
- 1. Search "Anaconda Navigator" in Windows Start Menu
- 2. Launch Anaconda Navigator
- 3. Click "Launch" under Spyder (orange icon)
- 4. Wait 30-60 seconds for first-time startup
✅ Step 4: Test Your Setup
# Test code - copy this into Spyder
print("🐍 Hello! Python is working offline!")
# Test math
mystery_number = 5
result = mystery_number * 2 + 1
print(f"Mystery number {mystery_number} becomes {result}")
# Test graphics
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
x = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
y = [1, 4, 9, 16, 25]
plt.plot(x, y, 'ro-')
plt.title("Square Numbers Pattern!")
plt.show()
print("🎉 Everything is working perfectly!")Success Indicators:
- • Text appears in console (bottom right)
- • Variables show in Variable Explorer (top right)
- • Graph appears in Plots pane (bottom right)
- • Disconnect internet and test again!
📁 Step 5: Organize Learning Files
Create This Folder Structure:
C:\Users\[StudentName]\Python_Learning\
├── Lessons\
│ ├── lesson1_mystery_numbers.py
│ ├── lesson2_math_machines.py
│ └── ...
├── Projects\
├── References\
│ ├── python-for-kids.pdf
│ └── python-docs\
└── Practice\Save Your First Lesson:
- 1. In Spyder: File → Save As
- 2. Navigate to Python_Learning\Lessons\
- 3. Save as: lesson1_mystery_numbers.py
- 4. Now you're ready to start learning!
🔧 Common Issues & Solutions
Problem: "jupyter not recognized" in PowerShell
Solution: Use Anaconda Navigator instead of PowerShell
Don't use PowerShell - launch everything through Anaconda Navigator
Problem: Turtle graphics won't work
Solution: Use matplotlib instead (included in lessons)
Our lessons use matplotlib for graphics - works perfectly in Spyder
Problem: Jupyter server issues
Solution: Use Spyder instead
Spyder is simpler and better for young learners anyway
🎯 You're Ready to Start!
What You Have Now:
- • Complete offline Python environment
- • Spyder IDE ready for coding
- • All graphics libraries working
- • No internet distractions
Ready for Learning:
- • 15-20 minute focused sessions
- • Visual feedback with graphs
- • Algebra concepts through coding
- • ADHD-friendly approach