I have done lots of quilting with first graders. I start with tying a quilt. They each choose two 12.5" squares. Using a cardboard template they mark 5 places to tie. I teach them to tie a square knot by making a 4 and a p and then pulling it tight. Over the course of 9 months I get them to make seasonal squares, eventually sewing with yarn and finally using needles and thread. At the same time, we tied and sewed/quilted lap size quilts for the elderly people the children knew. The Navajo kids were very skilled and enjoyed the measuring, cutting and sewing more than any other children I ever worked with. The elders at the Chapter House loved the quilts and showed them off as often as possible.