By the way it is "en passant" not "n peasant".
Nicely spotted Habana. I wrote it purposefully 'funny' like so 🙃
Lots of very good answers!
My very first lesson was coordinates, then rules including captures, checks, checkmates and e.p. but I somehow think that the very first lesson should be: analysis.
Trying to learn from your own games, in your own pace, from the very beginning is a crucial skill for improvement. It basically encapsulates all the other skills as you will be learning chess the right way.
Any thoughts on this?
Of course if the beginner in question is so lucky that they have an experienced chess player as their opponent, willing to analyse the game they play after the game (or even during the game, allowing takebacks), then that is probably a very good first lesson. But the player doing the analysis and giving those tips has to be strong enough (far stronger than I am) to be giving correct advise.
honestly, i bet the the best answer will come from beginners themselves if you asked 100 beginners what they have issue with, you will find your answer