By exposing first graders to programming, some will certainly take an affinity to it. By the time they get to middle school, some will have advanced understanding of code. I think it is really an excellent idea. With such a young perspective, will new languages be birthed? What do you think a new generation of coders will produce?
Find a way to tie in some element of strategy. Think about how Empire Builder works with regards to transporting goods or something alone those lines. I'm just not really seeing the point in playing, other than it has unique feel, but no point. Give me something to go after to win....conquer....