I used to teach the kids sewing class when I worked at the LQS. We made pillow cases, boxer shorts with matching hair scrunchies, Humbug bags installing a zipper, and added a zipper pocket to a beach towel so when they went to the pool, they had a place for what ever they needed to take with them. Each thing taught a little something different. A tote bag is also good. They were all short term projects to keep their interest in completing the project.