Help me teach others D&D

[Zelgar]

Use the KISS method - Keep It Simple (Stupid)
For beginner players, don´t worry about a lot of the rules (e.g., Feats, AoO), just stick to the basics (e.g., combat, saving throws & skills)
Make a lot of characters (at least 3 per PC) and let the players choose one.
For the first game or so, limit the classes to fighter classes & rogue. If a player indicates they want to perform magic, allow a cleric since it offers spells and a decent AC.
On the character sheets, highlight items that players should reference (e.g., AC, HP) in different colors
If possible, have different colors for each type of die that is used, so you can tell the players to pick up the red die to roll for damage (e.g., red die is d8)
Explain combat by running a bar-room brawl at the beginning of the adventure.
Have the adventure be simple and linear.
Have the adventure contain aspects that would require the PC´s to perform saving throws.
Have the adventure incorporate the use of skills (e.g., search, heal, listen)

Once the players have played a game or 2, then let them decide if they want to start over with a PC they make up.

Zelgar

 

[Nyaricus]

Oh, and a thought occurs: why don't Wizards have this sort of thing on their website?

No idea, but that post was awesome

 

[Catavarie]

Oh, and a thought occurs: why don't Wizards have this sort of thing on their website?

They sort of due here.

 

[TarionzCousin]

Originally Posted by delericho
Oh, and a thought occurs: why don't Wizards have this sort of thing on their website?

They sort of due here.

And here too.

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Do they know how to roleplay already? That's a critical point. If not, I think you need to simplify it even more than others have said. Just run them through something extremely simple, like a stereotypical group exploring a dungeon. Don't give them character sheets or make them learn any rules. Just play. Occasionally, tell them what dice to roll and what it means.

Example:
"Bob, you're a fighter. You fight, hack, slash, etc. Sue, you're a rogue, which is basically a sneaky thief/scout type. You scout ahead, sneak around, and stab monsters in the back. Copernicus, you're a cleric. You are essentially a Knight Templar, with healing powers and armor, but not as much of a warrior as Bob. Kirby, you're a Wizard. You can't wear any armor, are weak and puny, but you can cast a limited number of spells per day."

"The four of you are all friends and have decided to explore the mysterious ruins of the Old Monastery. You find a hidden staircase and carefully sneak down the stairs. Sue, what do you do?"

Let us know how it goes, what works, and what doesn't. I've done this a few times, and I've been a teacher, so I have some thoughts. Good luck! Teaching is harder than it looks.