Mini-Games for New Players

[YeomanSC]

So I'm a somewhat experienced DM. However I've recently moved locations and have had to start a group from scratch. One person has experience with D&D (or at least filling out character sheets) and the rest have no experience. They are all going to start at what amounts to a massive fair- which I figure is a great way to teach them different elements of the game without having to worry about real threats.

What are the most important things to teach them, and what should I leave till after I've thrown a juicy plot hook at them? My idea is to break things down into mini-games, which I've used before with more experienced players.

(I'll be using Pathfinder, but it makes little difference, additionally I will only have the SRD, no books for the time being)

[Gamer Girl]

The basic 1d20 roll is the first thing. Get them used to the idea that ''anything you want to do has a DC that you need to roll over to do''. This is simple enough....have them throw darts or other such games.

A mock combat to show ac, hp and such might be a good idea.

You sure what to get them the idea that they can 'try' to do anything.