the kids i taught loved making something useful the first class, gotta get them interested right out of the gate, or they shut down. Maybe a tissure holder they can use at school or in their purse. then teach them the basics. If mom is ther to help them, they can do the tissue holder or pillow case first. Then maybe the the 3rd or 4th class do the cleaning. We don't strat cleaning it b4 we sew. just my opinion
the coasters are great for gifts. so that could be a lesson to. just enlarge it and you have a potholder. lots of quick things to make. Even a 2 sq. pincushion is a good starter project. teach them to stuff really well, and when they think its stuffed enough, stuff some more. JMHO>