If they want to make a quilt, perhaps start with a split rail. It goes quickly and explains some 'shortcuts' but also some fabric rules (straight cutting, bows, stitching two directions,etc). And it goes together quickly. If they want to learn quilting, I like to do various blocks. One class I taught was Block of the Week. I suggested they pick a color palette so that when they finished they could assembly them into a quilt top. But, they could also use them for the front of tote bags or wall hangings.