I was thinking about this thread today as I was preparing my next project to teach.
This is the way I teach, no matter the age, if they have never sewn before.
I start with a lined tote bag with an outside pocket. That way they have something to put their supplies in that they bring to class.
The second project is a set of pillow cases with the innner boarder and a cuff.
And the last project before choosing their own projects is 4 squares of string piecing that we turn in to a pillow.
This helps me determine their sewing skills and more important how they follow directions/instructions.