Use items available around the house to create instruments. Manipulate nylon string and a wire hanger for a string instrument, or use plastic jugs, a comb and paper squares to create a woodwind instrument. Clay pots make the perfect supplies for wind chimes, and fill two plastic bottles with rice, seeds, beans or sand and you've got a set of maracas (shakers). For instructions on these and other homemade classical instruments, see the Resources section.
Gather samples of classical music as used in popular cartoons and kids' movies. After a lesson on composers and works, have the kids split up into teams and identify song names and composers. Make up matching worksheets or have students write down their answers. After going over answers, discuss why a certain work might have been chosen for a particular cartoon or scene. Have students put those thoughts on paper.
To add an interactive media component, have your student play some of the various educational games available online. Some games---and even websites---are tailored to the genre, while some include activities on other styles as well. Activities include classical music word searches, hangman and quizzes on movements, works and composers. Please see the Resources section for links.
Play a piece of classical music. During this time, have your students draw images they feel show the feelings and story of the song. Feel free to replay the song to fill activity time. Discuss how bright or dark colors in their images might change the story of their drawing. Ask what in the song might indicate those colors and moods. Talk about how lines tell a story. How do circular, flowing lines tell a different story from sharp, jagged lines? Is this song circular and flowing or sharp and jagged?
Portland's KBPS (89.9FM) airs "Kids Rhythms Classics," a fun show about classical music geared toward kids. The show airs Saturdays from 7am to 9am PST. Consider listening with your child at home or recording it for students via the station's online streaming link.
Listen to classical music from a given period while studying that period's history or scientific developments. This gives events a cultural context. Consider using classical music as a soundtrack to creative activities like class plays, readings and art projects.