Pillow cases, easy tote bags, headbands, easy skirts, stuffed animals are some projects they will have fun with as they are easy and finishable. I am teaching my granddaughter and niece by starting on pillow cases and some string blocks.
Here are a couple of websites that may help:
http://www.skiptomylou.org/get-kids-sewing-series/
http://www.pinterest.com/erakol/sewi...ects-for-kids/