In the summer I teach at a week long beginning sew camp (ages 8-12). We begin as GailG outlined for the first hour and then start the projects to build their confidence and skills. They all make a 9 patch pillow, placemat, drawstring tote bag. The older kids do pj pants and after a demo, the elastic is not a problem. Be sure to have her read the pattern instructions and then you can do a demo if the instructions don't make sense.