Once you have learned the basics of programming, there are 3 really great programs to practice with. 1: Create a calculator program that acts just like windows Calculator (the non-scientific one). 2: Make a program that acts just like Notepad (include saving to file, openning, and undo) and 3: make a tetris program. This one is a bit harder, but if you can tackle it you know you are on the right track!
Best of luck, any questions post in here (Try to research your questions on Google or by searching this forum before posting the question).
-Sean C.