Understanding the difference between character traits and emotions can be confusing for students. Being aware that emotions constantly change is helpful. Throughout a story, emotions change between characters and within individuals and situations. In class, reading groups had the task of identifying and charting the specific emotions displayed in their books. Each student drew a line representing the changing emotions. Upon completion, all went to the piano, studied their lines as musical scores and played their pieces as original compositions. For many, it was their first experience as composers.

Emotional Scores

 

The Musical Composition