Traditional songs explore different types of melodies, which are the different notes or tones that make up music. Sing songs, such as "Row Row Row Your Boat," to teach preschoolers basic melodies. Add movement to the songs. For example, pretend you are rowing a boat while singing. Create a counterpoint while singing, which is when one group sings the song and another groups sings the same song slightly later than the first as the first group is still singing.
Bring out simple instruments, such as xylophones and shakers. Play recorded music and ask the children to listen carefully to the melodies. Repeat the music and then turn it off. Without the music playing, have the children play their instruments to the same melodies. Choose music with words to help younger children remember the melodies. Introduce high and low tones with the instruments and vocals.
Create new songs from melodies preschoolers are already familiar with. Reintroduce a familiar melody such as "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star." Sing another song with the same melody, such as the "ABC" song. Work with the preschoolers to form new lyrics or words to the same melody. Choose a theme, such as summer, to help younger children understand the premise of the activity. Draw or write the words together and then sing the new lyrics with the melody playing.
Create a musical play with the preschool class' favorite book. Gather fabric and clothing for costumes for the children to act out the book. Assign each student a part to play and use simple musical instruments for each character to play. A narrator sings the story, while the characters play their music and sing any parts necessary. Craft sets out of toys and furniture and invite parents or other classes to watch.