Empathy Scenario Cards
Empathy Scenario Cards Part 1 of 2
Cut along dotted lines. Read the situation, step into their shoes, and discuss caring solutions.
Print & Cut
SCENARIO 1 Big Feelings
The Dropped Snack
The Situation:
A toddler drops their snack on the floor and starts crying.
Guiding Prompts for Students:
- • How could you comfort the toddler?
- • What words or actions show empathy?
Comfort & Care Card 1 / 8
SCENARIO 2 Conflict Care
Toy Trouble
The Situation:
One child takes another child’s toy.
Guiding Prompts for Students:
- • How can the "caregiver" help resolve this fairly?
- • What emotions might each child feel?
Fair Solutions Card 2 / 8
SCENARIO 3 Gentle First Aid
Scraped Knee
The Situation:
A toddler falls while running and scrapes their knee.
Guiding Prompts for Students:
- • How can you respond empathetically?
- • How do you show care without overreacting?
Calm Reassurance Card 3 / 8
SCENARIO 4 Out of Reach
Too High to Reach
?
The Situation:
A child is sad because they can’t reach a shelf of books.
Guiding Prompts for Students:
- • How can you help the child feel understood?
- • How can you offer supportive, empowering help?
Empowering Support Card 4 / 8
Cut along card borders for small group discussions or role-play centers Page 1 of 2
Empathy Scenario Cards Part 2 of 2
Cut along dotted lines. Read the situation, step into their shoes, and discuss caring solutions.
Print & Cut
SCENARIO 5 Sharing
Sharing Standoff
The Situation:
A toddler refuses to share a toy, and another child starts crying.
Guiding Prompts for Students:
- • How can you acknowledge feelings without forcing?
- • How can you gently guide turn-taking?
Guided Turn-Taking Card 5 / 8
SCENARIO 6 Inclusion
Left Out
The Situation:
A child is excited about a new toy, but another child looks left out.
Guiding Prompts for Students:
- • How can you notice someone who feels left out?
- • How can you encourage empathy between both?
Inclusive Play Card 6 / 8
SCENARIO 7 Accidents
The Art Splash
The Situation:
A toddler spills water on a friend’s art project.
Guiding Prompts for Students:
- • How can you help them understand it was an accident?
- • How can both children respond kindly?
Kind Grace Card 7 / 8
SCENARIO 8 Space Dilemma
The Special Chair
! !
The Situation:
Two toddlers are arguing over who gets to sit in a special chair.
Guiding Prompts for Students:
- • How can you mediate the conflict fairly?
- • How can you teach empathy while solving turns?
Calm Mediation Card 8 / 8
Cut along card borders for small group discussions or role-play centers Page 2 of 2
