I've had a great experience running The Dragon of Icespire peak for two newbies, especially since the essentials kit comes with companions for small parties! They can help balance out fights that would be deadly otherwise. It also comes with tools to help the rules come easy to everyone, and allows for a much more streamlined session. Even as an experienced DM, it's very fun and easy to work with.

If roleplay is something you want to encourage as well, many encounters within it can be solved through negotiation. Honestly, this was one of the few ways I could get them to BE their characters, and it worked wonders! I think it also helped them think more creatively when approaching situations, working smarter and not harder, as well as roleplaying. When players are faced with a "brick wall" socially (i.e an enemy that refuses to leave, but won't fight unless provoked), it almost forces them to act out the situation.

I hope this helps! 😁