Difficult aspect of trading is learning emotional discipline, thus I find paper trading meaningless; my recommendation for newbies is to trade as small as possible till consistent.
I can picture that. Even if it's just a very modest number of shares in an ETF or equity name. Whatever it takes to get that element of accountability and personal engagement. I think your idea of "as small as possible" is critical - capital losses during learning shouldn't be traumatic. I am in complete agreement about consistency being the focus for noobs.

....I studied/watched/paper traded the market for like literally Five years -- before I gained my nerve again to jump back into the market.