zardog,
I am not a teacher in anyway, but can share this with you. I think all of us have the desire to play something right away with any instrument we approach. We find out quickly that it isn't as easy as it looks. Some, stop and say well this ain't for me, and others go on.
When I was 8 years old, I got my first accordion
and started playing tunes by ear. With that my parents sent me off to classes and immediatly I got the shock of my life. Having to play what I didn't want to play. I thought that the teacher and I would be jamming
Instead, he listen to what I knew, said "well that very good"
then pulled out the sheet music, and it was bootcamp from there on. Of course, his goal was to teach me the basics and understanding of music. Back then it was
well they don't have enough symbols here anyway.
I have to say I wish I had paid more attention though. Checkout Peo Kindgren on You Tube. He is playing tunes to sheet music. Something I would be doing had I paid the price back then.
Find tunes that the child likes, maybe 2 and 3 chord songs. That will keep their interests up. Then an understanding to what is going on in the tune will be helpful.
There are many who can play real well without the above, but consider them gifted.
But here I am now at GFB&B to catch up to all I have been missing through out my guitar playing life.
We all had to start somewhere, some just got there quicker than others, on their own, by friends, sites, and lessons.
With the information here, many will go as far as there heart and mind desire.
Above all, keep it fun at their pace. Learning the sheet music method is only one phase and maybe not as important. But understand the roadmap of the fretboard is a must.
eddiez