When performing arts-based activities, as a teacher, you can put music on that reflects the mood of the group. Although there is no definite proof that classical music boosts cognitive functions or development for babies, there are several studies and theories surrounding the ability of music to affect people's emotions. In terms of emotional development, children at that age are still learning how to synchronize their emotions, moods and behavioral responses to the environment surrounding them.
A specific arts- and music-based activity can include children learning songs such as the alphabet song or songs that involve counting. If you have a recording of the songs, you can play the recording while preschoolers use construction paper, glitter, glue and other crafty components to cut out and decorate letters and numbers. Depending on the size of your class, you may be able to assign each student one or two letters or numbers so that the entire alphabet or part of a number sequence can be accounted for.
More conceptual activities use preschool age-appropriate music and sidewalk chalk to have children attempt to draw their own visualization of the music as they listen or dance. If you preschoolers like to move around and dance, instruct them to try holding the chalk on the sidewalk as they dance. If it's a rainy day, you can use paper, crayons and markers to have children draw the music as it plays over a stereo.
Festive holiday songs often involve vivid pictures of figures such as reindeer, Santa Claus and snow men. While learning how to sing some of these basic holiday songs, such as "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," you can have children make their own reindeer decorations to wear while jingling bells and other ringing instruments. Incorporate festive art projects for the holiday season to put on a program for the parents of your preschoolers while hosting a community sing-a-long.