Teach early appreciation of the different types of music. Introducing various musical genres early on will help a child develop an open mind towards music and give him a broader knowledge of various styles. Bring in some of your favorite songs and have your young students do the same. Then spend the day listening to the various songs and discussing them.
Teach a basic history of music. Present the lesson with fun, engaging graphics in a slide show format that will keep kids entertained. Discuss the various instruments used in music, again making use of colorful graphics.
Utilize online musical activities designed to teach children how to make music, how to listen to it, and how to appreciate it (see Resources). These include "Morton Subotnick's Creating Music," an interactive website devoted to teaching kids music. The site features many activities, including interactive musicmaking games. Visit the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's website for teachers and young students. They offer a teaching plan for teachers and many engaging activities designed to teach kids how to listen to and appreciate music.
Make simple musical instruments with your students. Have each child make an instrument from basic materials and then have the students play their homemade instruments together.