The article describes the methodological rationale for using the virtual robot Drawman in the PascalABC.NET environment for teaching the basics of programming. There is a didactic material on the basics of working with the virtual robot Drawman, which can be used in informatics lessons or in additional classes. Detailed instructions can be both an assistant to the teacher for working in the lesson, and a guide for students working at an individual pace, and schoolchildren in self-study of the basics of programming. However, under teacher guidance, this training will be more effective. The article examines tasks from various topics  — linear programs, loop operators, nested loops, procedures and procedures with a parameter — with a detailed description of how to solve these problems, which will allow students to solve other tasks from these topics on their own. For the first linear program, step-by-step instructions are given on how to implement the task and write the first program in the PascalABC.NET environment for the virtual robot Drawman, as well as to automatically check the completed task. Depending on the interests and level of preparation of the students, the material may be useful for students in the sixth or seventh grades.