Oh this subject touches my heart strings. Teaching a child to sew/quilt is so special. What a contribution to her life you are making.
I was honored to teach someone to sew about seven years ago. It is something she does all the time even making her own clothes sometimes. Her grandmother gave her a sewing machine and there is no stopping her and her step sister she taught. You just never know how far what you do will go.
I taught her with a large crewel needle, yarn and felt. It was a cute animal pillow for her bed. It worked out good because of her tiny hands being able to grasp the needle well.
Good Luck on your venture with this. I envy the chance to work with little ones.