Draw a series of rectangles on a piece of white paper and make one copy for each preschooler. Discuss and identify each color bar on a xylophone. For example, point to one of the xylophone color bars and ask what color it is. Then ask students what other things are that color. Have students color their own xylophone with paints, crayons or markers using the worksheet you made.
Teach preschoolers a new letter and all about a musical instrument with a coloring page activity. A coloring page that allows children to trace the letter x while coloring in a picture of a xylophone will reiterate the "X is for Xylophone" lesson and theme.
Have preschoolers help you to line up tall drinking glasses. They can then take turns pouring different amounts of water in them. Arrange them in an ascending or descending pattern. Then, carefully tap each one with a spoon to make melodies like a xylophone does. You can even tint the water with food coloring to create a colorful homemade xylophone.
Have students sit with xylophones and other instruments. The teacher should be holding her own xylophone. Strike different melodies and see if the preschoolers can follow along with several different notes or beats at a time.