I too would start them out with the burrito style pillowcase. They are simple straight lines & work up fast. Then on to a simple quilt. A 4 patch, 9 patch or rail fence would be good to start with. The rail fence would be great, too, cause it is also sewing strips together & then cutting into blocks. You could have the strips all cut out for them & let them cut the blocks with scissors. Later you could show them how the rotary cutter works, but be sure to use a glove for safety & only allow them to use it with written parent consent & only one at a time so you can be sure they use it properly.