Perhaps limiting their choices for their own designs to a few simple ideas
like bells, poinsettias, evergreen etc. might be a good choice. That way they
have SOME structure but are kept from getting into something too involved for
them to pull off.
I have trouble with my 6th graders in teh same way. I wish you every
encouragement. I know these kids like to have some "say so" in the ideas.....
Good lick! Alice Ann in Bowling Green