Empathy Warm Up Worksheet How Are You Feeling?
Student
Date
Take a moment to check in with yourself. How are you feeling right now? Empathy starts with understanding our own emotions.
Circle the emotion that best describes your current mood:
Happy
Sad
Excited
Anxious
Calm
Tired
Confused
Curious
Why do you feel this way? Empathy Lesson Plan Walk In My Shoes
Teacher Lesson Plan
60 min
Why This Lesson?
Understanding and practicing empathy helps students develop stronger social-emotional skills, build more positive relationships, and create a more compassionate classroom and community. It teaches them to consider perspectives beyond their own.
Learning Objective
Students will define empathy, identify its importance in relationships, and practice empathetic responses through various activities including discussion, reading, and role-playing.
Materials Needed
Whiteboard or Projector
Warm-Up Worksheet
Empathy Slide Deck
Role-Play Scenario Cards
Bingo Cards & Markers
Teacher Preparation
• Review the generated scripts and slides.
• Print Warm-Up and Scenarios worksheets (1 per student).
• Print and cut Bingo cards and Role-Play scenarios.
• Prepare whiteboard for student responses.
Instructional Sequence
5 MIN
Warm-Up: How Are You Feeling?
Distribute the Empathy Warm-Up . Students complete it individually to check in with their own emotions. Briefly discuss anonymous responses as a class to set a tone of reflection.
10 MIN
Introduction to Empathy
Use the Slide Deck and Teacher Script . Define empathy as "feeling with someone, not just for them." Use prompts from the Discussion Starters to spark interest.
15 MIN
Deep Dive: Reading & Discussion
Distribute the What is Empathy? Reading . After reading, use the Discussion Starters to explore facets of empathy and personal connections. Focus on the difference between sympathy and empathy.
15 MIN
Practicing Empathy: Role-Playing
Divide students into small groups. Assign Role-Play Scenarios . Students must practice empathetic responses, focusing on "Active Listening" and "Thoughtful Questions."
10 MIN
Application: Scenarios & Bingo
Students complete the Scenarios Worksheet . If time permits, play a quick round of Empathy Bingo to help them identify empathetic actions in real life.
5 MIN
Assessment & Wrap-Up
Administer the Empathy Check Quiz . Introduce the In Action Project as a follow-up. Close with the Cool Down reflection slip.
Empathy Explored Slides Empathy Skills
Walk In My
Shoes?
Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
What is Empathy?
1
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
2
It's imagining what it's like to be someone else .
3
Feeling with someone, not just for them.
"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another."
Why Does it Matter?
Stronger Relationships
When we understand others, we connect more deeply and build trust.
Resolve Conflict
Seeing different perspectives helps us find solutions to disagreements.
Promotes Kindness
Feeling what others feel makes us naturally want to be helpful and kind.
Better Community
Empathy creates a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.
Seeing From Different Shoes
Past Experiences
What has happened to someone before shapes how they feel now.
Current Situation
What is happening right now in their day or their life?
Unique Feelings
Two people can react very differently to the exact same event.
"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always."
The Empathy Toolbox
Listen Actively
Words, tone, and body language.
Observe Closely
Faces and posture tell stories.
Ask Questions
"How are you feeling?"
Imagine It
Put yourself in their place.
Show Care
A kind word or supportive gesture.
Let's Explore!
Now, we'll dive deeper into empathy through a reading and class discussion.
Reading Time
Empathy in Action
Time to practice! We'll work in groups to act out different situations.
How would you respond?
What would you say?
What would you do?
Applying Skills
Scenario Worksheet
Thinking through real-life situations independently or with a partner.
Empathy Bingo
Empathy Teacher Script Empathy Script for Teachers
A Step-by-Step Facilitation Guide
5 Minutes
Part 1: How Are You Feeling?
Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To start our session today, I want us to take a quick moment for ourselves. I've handed out a short warm-up activity called Empathy Warm-Up: How Are You Feeling? Please take about two to three minutes to think about how you are feeling right now and circle the emotion that best describes your current mood. Then, briefly explain why you feel that way. There are no right or wrong answers, this is just for you to check in with yourselves."
(Allow students time to complete the warm-up.)
Teacher: "Great. Now, without going into too much detail, can anyone share how they decided which emotion to pick, or perhaps one general feeling they noticed in themselves? It's interesting how our feelings can change throughout the day, isn't it? Today, we're going to talk about understanding not just our own feelings, but the feelings of others."
10 Minutes
Part 2: What is Empathy?
Display Slide 1: "Walk In My Shoes?"
Teacher: "Look at our title slide today: 'Walk In My Shoes?' What do you think that phrase means? Has anyone heard it before?"
(Allow a few student responses.)
Teacher: "That's a fantastic way to think about it! 'Walking in someone else's shoes' is a perfect way to describe what we're talking about today: empathy ."
Display Slide 2: "What is Empathy?"
Teacher: "So, what is empathy? As the slide says, empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It's about imagining what it's truly like to be someone else, to feel with them, not just for them. When you feel for someone, that's often sympathy. But empathy goes deeper; it's like stepping into their world for a moment."
15 Minutes
Part 3: Deep Dive Exploration
Display Slide 6: "Let's Explore!"
Teacher: "Now that we have a good foundation, we're going to deepen our understanding. I'm going to hand out a reading called What is Empathy? . You can read it silently to yourselves, or if you prefer, we can read it aloud as a class. As you read, think about the examples provided and how they connect to what we've already discussed."
(Distribute reading. After reading, use Discussion Starters to facilitate a class conversation.)
15 Minutes
Part 4: Empathy in Action
Empathy Reading Text What is Empathy?
A Guide to Understanding Others
Have you ever heard the saying, "Try walking a mile in someone else's shoes"? This old saying is a perfect way to describe **empathy**. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It's more than just feeling sorry for someone; it's about truly trying to imagine what it's like to be in their situation, to feel what they might be feeling.
Sympathy
When you feel sympathy, you feel concern or pity for someone. You acknowledge their tough situation from the outside.
Example: "I'm sorry you're sick and missing the game."
Empathy
When you feel empathy, you try to understand their emotions as if they were your own. You connect with their feeling on a deeper level.
Example: "I remember how much it hurt when I missed the game last year. You must be feeling so left out."
Why is Empathy Important?
Better Friendships: It builds trust and makes friends feel valued.
Solving Problems: Understanding "why" someone is upset helps find solutions.
Kindness: When you feel what others feel, you naturally want to help.
World Impact: Empathy reduces conflict and connects diverse groups of people.
How Can You Practice Empathy?
1
Listen Actively
Pay attention to words, tone, and body language without interrupting.
2
Observe Others
Look at facial expressions and posture to gather clues about how they feel.
3
Ask Questions
If you aren't sure, ask: "You seem a little quiet today, is everything okay?"
4
Be Open-Minded
Don't jump to conclusions. Everyone has a story you might not see yet.
"Are you ready to try walking in someone else's shoes?"
Empathy Discussion Starters Class Discussion
Stepping Into Others' Shoes
Reflective Discussion Starters
Opening Questions
1. Based on our discussion and the reading, how would you define empathy in your own words?
2. Can you think of a time when someone showed empathy towards you? How did it make you feel?
3. When have you tried to show empathy to someone else? What happened?
Deeper Exploration
4. The reading talked about the difference between sympathy and empathy. Can you explain that difference in your own words, perhaps with an example?
5. Why do you think it can sometimes be difficult to be empathetic? What gets in the way?
6. How can practicing empathy help us in resolving conflicts or disagreements?
Personal Connection
7. Which tip for practicing empathy (listen, observe, ask, imagine) do you think is most important for you personally, and why?
8. What's one small step you could take today or this week to practice empathy in your interactions with others?
Empathy Role Play Activity Empathy in Action
Role-Playing Scenarios
ACTIVITY
Instructions for Students:
Work in small groups of 3-4.
Choose one of the scenarios below to act out.
Discuss: How does the person feel? What is an empathetic response?
Perform your scenario for the group, focusing on Active Listening and Showing Care.
Scenario 1: The Frustrated Friend
Your friend has been working really hard on a group project, but another group member isn't pulling their weight. Your friend is clearly upset and says, "I've done almost everything, and they haven't done anything! It's so unfair!"
Empathetic Say
Empathetic Do
Scenario 2: The New Student
A new student has joined your class. It's lunch break, and they're sitting alone at a table, looking a bit shy and uncomfortable. Most other students are with their usual groups.
Empathetic Say
Empathetic Do
Scenario 3: The Upset Teammate
During a sports practice or game, a teammate makes a mistake that costs your team a point. They are visibly frustrated with themselves and look like they might cry.
Empathetic Say
Empathetic Do
Scenario 4: The Misunderstood Sibling
Your younger sibling is upset because they feel like your parents always listen to your side of the story without hearing theirs. They come to you complaining about it.
Empathetic Say
Empathetic Do
Practice makes progress. Focus on connecting, not just fixing.
Empathy Scenarios Worksheet Empathy Scenarios
Student Name
Date
Instructions: Read each scenario below. Then, in the space provided, describe how you would respond empathetically . Think about what the person might be feeling and what you could say or do to show understanding and support.
1
Your classmate looks really sad and is sitting alone during recess. You notice they usually play with a group, but today they aren't.
My Empathetic Response:
2
Your older sibling just found out they didn't get into their top choice for high school. They worked very hard and are heartbroken.
My Empathetic Response:
3
Someone accidentally bumps into you in the hallway. They look really flustered and apologize quickly, saying they're late for an important meeting.
My Empathetic Response:
4
Your friend is struggling with a math concept you find easy. They say, "I just don't get it! Everyone else seems to know what they're doing."
My Empathetic Response:
Empathy Bingo Game Empathy Bingo
Recognize Kindness Everywhere
How to Play:
Look for examples of the actions described in the squares. When you observe or personally perform an act of empathy that matches a square, mark it off! Fill a row, column, or diagonal to win. Be ready to share your story!
B
I
N
G
O
Listened actively to a friend
Offered a helping hand
Praised someone genuinely
Comforted a sad friend
Shared a snack or item
Asked, "Are you okay?"
Let someone else go first
Cheered up a quiet person
Defended someone being teased
Forgave a small mistake
Invited someone new to join
Helped clean up a mess
FREE SPACE
Listened without judging
Encouraged a peer
Said "Thank you" sincerely
Apologized for a wrong
Smiled at a stranger
Gave a thoughtful compliment
Held the door for someone
Noticed someone was lonely
Stayed calm during a fight
Validated a friend's feelings
Used kind words
Told someone they did well
SEE IT FEEL IT DO IT
Empathy Check Quiz Empathy Check Quiz
Understanding and Perspective
/ 10
Student
Date
Which of the following best defines empathy?
Feeling sorry for someone who is having a hard time.
Understanding and sharing the feelings of another person.
Ignoring someone's feelings to stay focused.
Telling someone exactly how they should feel.
What is one effective way to practice empathy?
Interrupting when someone is talking to share your story.
Listening actively to both words and body language.
Only thinking about how a situation affects you.
Assuming you already know what someone else is thinking.
Explain in your own words why empathy is important for building good friendships.
Your friend is upset because they lost their favorite toy. You remember how sad you felt when you lost something important. What are you showing?
Sympathy
Empathy
Apathy
Confidence
On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident do you feel in your ability to show empathy to others?
Not Confident
1
2
3
4
5
Very Confident
Empathy Unit Test Empathy Unit Test
Social-Emotional Intelligence Assessment
Total Score
/ 100
Full Name
Date
Section 1: Foundations
Which statement best describes the core idea of empathy?
Feeling sorry for someone who is sad or struggling.
Understanding and relating to another person's unique feelings.
Being able to solve everyone else's problems for them.
Ignoring negative emotions to focus on positive things.
What is the main difference between sympathy and empathy?
Sympathy is a much stronger and more useful emotion than empathy.
Empathy means you've experienced the exact same thing; sympathy does not.
Sympathy is feeling *for* someone, while empathy is feeling *with* someone.
Sympathy only applies to positive emotions, and empathy to negative ones.
Section 2: Scenario Analysis
Imagine your classmate failed a test they studied very hard for.
Describe two specific things you could say or do to show empathy. Explain why these actions are empathetic.
Action/Statement 1 & Explanation
Action/Statement 2 & Explanation
Why is it important to consider someone's unique background or past experiences when trying to understand their feelings?
Section 3: Reflection & Skills
Which of these is NOT a good way to practice empathy?
Paying close attention to body language and tone of voice.
Interrupting someone to share your own similar story right away.
Asking thoughtful questions like "How are you feeling about that?"
Trying to imagine yourself in someone else's specific situation.
Building stronger relationships, resolving conflicts, and promoting kindness are all benefits of:
Being popular
Practicing empathy
Having lots of money
Always being right
Empathy Answer Keys Document Answer Key: Quiz & Test
Empathy Skills Module
Empathy Check Quiz
1. Best definition of empathy?
Understanding and sharing the feelings of another.
Empathy goes beyond pity; it involves emotional resonance.
2. Way to practice empathy?
Listening actively to others.
Active listening is the primary tool for perspective-taking.
3. Importance for friendships?
Accept responses that mention: Trust, Feeling valued, Support, or Stronger bonds.
4. Scenario: Lost toy?
Empathy
Relating a personal past feeling to someone else's current situation is empathetic.
Empathy Unit Test
1. Core idea?
Understanding and relating to feelings.
2. Difference?
Sympathy (for) vs Empathy (with).
3. Failed Test Scenario (Grading Guidance):
Sample Statements
"I know you worked hard, that's really frustrating." or "I'm here if you want to talk about it."
Why it's empathetic
It validates the struggle and offers presence/shared understanding without dismissing the disappointment.
4. Unique Background Importance?
Accept responses mentioning that past experiences shape current reactions; what's a "big deal" is relative to the person's history.
5. NOT a practice?
Interrupting with your own story.
6. Benefits of Empathy?
Stronger relationships, resolving conflict, promoting kindness.
Empathy Action Project Guide Empathy in Action
Final Project Guide
The Challenge
Empathy isn't just something we talk about; it's something we do . Your goal for this project is to put your empathy skills to work! You will create something that either teaches others about empathy or demonstrates empathy in your community (school, home, or neighborhood).
Choose Your Path
Option 1: Awareness Campaign
Goal: Teach Others
Raise awareness about empathy for a specific audience (younger students, staff, or family).
Deliverables (Choose 2):
Poster Series (2-3 posters)
PSA/Short Video (2 min)
Brochure or Pamphlet
Social Media Mock-up Series
Option 2: Action Initiative
Goal: Direct Impact
Plan and carry out a small initiative that directly shows empathy in your community.
Deliverables:
Written Project Proposal
Evidence (Photos, Notes, etc.)
Summary of observed impact
The Reflection (Required for Both)
Along with your project, you must submit a one-page written reflection addressing:
Why did you choose this project?
What challenges did you face?
What did you learn about empathy?
What was the impact?
Project Checklist
1
Plan
2
Create
3
Reflect
4
Submit
Empathy Project Rubric Doc Project Rubric
Student
Project Title
Criteria Exceeds (4) Meets (3) Developing (2) Beginning (1) Understanding Empathy Profound understanding shown with deep nuance. Clear and accurate understanding demonstrated. Some understanding, but may be simplistic or unclear. Little to no understanding shown. Real-World Connection Highly relevant and insightful real-world links. Relevant connections made to real situations. Limited or superficial real-world links. No clear real-world connection. Creativity & Design Highly innovative, original, and engaging work. Creative and engaging presentation. Some creativity; lacks originality or polish. Lacks creativity or is poorly executed. Clarity & Effort Exceptional effort; polished and professional. Good effort; complete and well-organized. Minor components missing or disorganized. Incomplete or minimal effort shown. Reflection Quality Deeply thoughtful and insightful analysis. Thoughtful; addresses all prompts adequately. Superficial or incomplete reflection. Minimal or missing reflection piece.
Teacher Comments:
Total Score / 20
Grading Scale:
18-20: Outstanding
15-17: Proficient
12-14: Developing
Below 12: Support Needed
Empathy Cool Down Reflection One Last Thought
Empathy Reflection & Cool Down
1
What is the most important thing you learned about empathy today?
2
How will you practice "walking in someone's shoes" this week?
Student
Date
