I think you are correct in not letting them near a rotary cutter at this point. Those things are dangerous. Maybe some pressing for the older one? I was probably about that age when I was given the chore of ironing hankies - oh my, that dates me, doesn't it???? Anywho... I also get having the kids do all of their own work for fair projects. Some tools that are used at this point are just not tools that children should be handling. I'm not sure that boys of the same age group would be using power tools (beyond maybe a sander) if they are submitting wood working projects???? Just a guess.
I know my friend and I both do the piece cutting for her 16 year old daughter for her quilting projects at this point. Perhaps if I had a safety glove for her I'd give her some direction and oversee the process with her but not without the safety glove.
Good luck with your sewing lessons.