I would like suggestions for best DAW to start off with teaching kids the basics of music production, on the Windows platform.

Orion.

Misses a couple features an advanced user definitely would want to have (good routing options, etc.) but to get started its probably the best there is because it is immensely simple to construct patterns and then arrange those patterns into songs.

I am teaching my 8 year old daughter on live (lite), cheap (free with most hardware, I got a cheap mini key keyboard and it came with it).

I am using Live as the layout is simple, midi editing and arrange is pretty simple and initially she just loves droping clips in and making tunes (build ups, break downs, kids get it!)- a few nice construction sets (POP DNA etc.) and she was off- already adding her own drum hits- love live for keeping everything in time

AudioMulch;
the wire up everything approach is very visual;
drag and drop connecting;
the Metasurface is a super fun and intuitive way of creating automation;
has everything they they need built in to create music with;
can be used as a performative instrument and/or composition tool, and bridges the gap between the two;
excellent online tutorials and help documentation;
cross-platform (Mac OSX and Windows),
very CPU efficient;
saves audio files with the document/setup file for easy recall and patch sharing.
http://www.audiomulch.com/

Tracktion 4!!

Tracktion 4

You can try Steinberg Sequel 3 50%off this month.

http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/sequel

I would say a lite version of Ableton Live.
Easy to navigate, no hard to find or esoteric functions, easy on the eye, gapless loading of plugins

As most have written here Abelton Live Lite is a great start however you have to buy hardware with it included to get it.

My suggestion would be Mutools Mulab Free:

http://www.mutools.com/mulab-downloads.html

It has a clean inteface a real nice Synth and allows VST's, Although it's limited it does the job as a first sequencer. When they are a little more proficient then I would start them out on Presonus Studio One Free:

http://studioone.presonus.com/free/

This Version has Unlimited Tracks and just about all the functionality of Studio One without VST support.

As your students get more into sequencing they will find what works themselves however all of these recommended here and previously are good starts.

That's right - get 'em while their young! We're building a grassroots groundhog youth movement that will rebel against authoritarian audio regimes. It's the groundhog spring and it's still January.

Tracktion 4 gets my vote as of tomorrow. (Mulab is cool too, but lacks full groundhog support)

MuLab!
End of Story.

Nice try people however your suggestions are laughable:

Super Duper Music Looper is actually made for children.

http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/education/sellsheets/sdm l_sellsheet.pdf

Carey

Mine started on Cubase very young. But we also taught music along with it, so the concept of thinking in linear mode for music is "normal" to them. I think Live would have been a detriment to learning music.

music basics -> renoise (includes basic to advanced sampling techniques)
saved track in demo is re-loadable. (you cant render)
production basics -> it is true. tracktion needs less instruction.
reaper is also an option but hard to get good, efficient
guidelines. but fully functional demo.
fl studio is also a very good contender.
it has everything. plus a nice manual.
and as in renoise you can use the demo to teach.
and the free software buzz should also be part of your investigation.

otherwise check ohmstudio for the true basics and pure online integration.
doing homework could be fun 'again'.
mulab has nice basics but is a bit too deep in parts (you can get lost as newb).
but please dont touch reason. no! dont ask why...

Mixcraft. Such a great program.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJPe1DwXPuE