Years ago (like 30 some) I bought several short rods for my kids to learn on. They were short about 2 1/2 feet long with a regular casting grip and reel seat, and they were practically indestructible. I still have two of them, but have three young grandsons who need to learn. They have no labels or marking left on them, and I have replaced the reels a few time over the years for various nieces and nephews, and two older grandkids. Would anyone know where a fellow could get another rod of similar nature?

At a lot of stores such as Meijer’s have an outdoors/fishing section. That has combos for kids. I was at Meijer’s just a couple days ago. They had a Shakespeare and ugly stick combo that I’m about to be getting for my nephew. But yeah just try places like that.
Happy Fishing
-Bassman

A good stout ice fishing rod is a good choice for the little ones and buying one won't send you to the poorhouse if you shop wisely. My experience with teaching kids is that an underspin setup is the easiest for young hands to learn. They have the added attraction of making a transition to spinning gear easier as the child grows.

K-mart has short rods about 2 1/2 ft long for Ice and regular fishing. They were solid glass 2 guides and a tip, with a pistol grip handle for spin cast reels. At my last garage sale I had [4] new ones for sale [no reel on them] at $5.00 each. I think I may still have them all.