I learned to sew clothes by starting out on dolls clothes. I have also taught my girls how to sew with dolls & baby clothes. They learn construction, layout, cutting & pinning, fitting, pattern-making, etc, but using a LOT less fabric, just in case there is a ~mishap~ ;-D
In fact, the first time we worked through a pattern we actually cut the pattern pieces out of paper, and taped them together, thus they saw how the pieces fit together. It made for a great visual that they have actually kept, and referred to time & again. This was also how my son developed his scout capote. He actually did all of the measuring & cutting out himself. ( he is not quite 12). He was able to make a small paper model, and then graduate to large paper patterns, and then used those pieces to cut out the actual capote. Perhaps a paper model would be a helpful way for a large class of kids to tackle that learning curve with the first pattern.
~Red