The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model for learning to program in entry level programming courses. The intended model is aimed at providing a framework to simplify learning to program at beginner or entry level programming courses. Learning to program is considered to be a difficult task to many students and it has been attributed to the continuous decline in enrollment in technology programs lately. The conceptual model being worked on in this paper is developed along another model widely used in program and systems development known as the Systems Development Life Cycle or SDLC. The SDLC model is used widely in academia to teach the planning of programs and systems. Hence, the SDLC model is used in this paper to guide in the creation of a new conceptual model that is aimed to provide a framework to simplify learning to program.