2. Why is he starting with c/c++? Yes they have uses but not as a starter just playing around.

sometimes it's not interesting enough to keep someone's attention if it's just "playing around": some people need to feel like what they're working on while learning has a real purpose, and some purposes have to use C++ (e.g. Arduino)

sure it might not be the most effective or efficient way to learn, but it can be more motivating.