Teach the students to sing holiday songs and put on a concert for their parents. Include Christmas classics like "Silent Night," "Frosty the Snowman," "Up on the Rooftop," or "The 12 Days of Christmas," but also include songs for other holidays like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, or include songs in foreign languages. Check with the school administrator to ensure your program meets school policy -- some parents may be upset by religious music. Have the children make their own instruments, like maracas or tambourines, and if some children are talented singers, let them sing a solo. On the day of the concert, have the children wear a simple, uniform outfit, like white shirts with black pants.
Choose a segment of history your class is learning and teach them songs from that era. For example, if your class is learning about the Civil War in America, teach them songs soldiers used to sing before battle and songs that slaves sang in the cotton fields. Have them dress up like men and women from that era, and put on a performance. In between songs, have different children say a little bit about the things you have been studying as they relate to the songs the class is singing.
Turn English class into a fun music session by asking the children to write their own songs. Tell them that the songs have to rhyme, but let them write in any genre they like -- rap, country, pop, opera, Broadway musical, rock, etc. Give them samples of rhythmic poetry, like Shakespeare, and compare these poems to modern songs. Ask them to mark out the syllables and emphasis in a song, and tell them to keep this in mind as they write. When they are done, have them perform their songs for the class.
Learn about different cultures by listening to music from around the world. Have students research ethnic music and pick a song from a different country to share with the class. If they can't find a free song they like online, tell them to check the library or borrow a CD from someone they know. After you listen to each child's selection, ask them to describe the music and talk about why they chose it. Have them report any historical context, the purpose of the music and a little information about the culture that produced the song. Discuss the instruments used, the different applications of vocals and any other unique qualities the class notices. After listening to everyone's songs, talk about the differences and similarities in the music your class brought in. Some particularly interesting points of discussion might include what makes the music pleasing to hear, why different cultures create music and how the music makes your students feel.