Your First Mining

The first thing you want to do when you start playing minecraft, is to mine , these are the steps..

Mining above surface blocks.
For most above surface blocks a axe and a shovel / spade ( makes it quicker to destroy blocks ) are required to do this. These tools will come in handy when you need to mine tree's and dirt or kill monstors ofcourse.
 * Wood and killing creatures are well served by weilding a axe or a sword (for monsters ofcourse)
 * Dirt and Sand are easily minable will the use of a shovel (or fist if you like doing it the slow way)

Below Surface Blocks ( Stone )
Most below surface blocks require a Pick Axe to make the job effecient.