I've taught beginners through guild classes and at the high school level. assuming they have machines, start with fabric selection, rotary cutting and the 1/4" seam. I use the rail fence as the block to "practice" rotary cutting, 1/4" seam, making strip sets and cutting accurately so it pieces right. We then do a star block that uses HST and flying geese--both some pretty common units in quilt blocks. We also do a drunkards path (curved seams), an applique block, hand quilting, sashing & borders. Now this takes a longggg time--21 hrs. Which works fine if you and these ladies plan to make this an on-going project. If not, I'd back up to the rotary cutter, rail fence and the star block with the HST & FG. OR focus on the rotary cutting and 1/4" block using a MSQC simple quilt. If they are all still wanting to move forward, then think about more involved techniques. Good for you for being willing to do this!