Empathy is described as the ability to sense and connect with the emotions of others. It is a skill that is influenced by personal experiences as well as daily interactions. While many recognize its importance, empathy can sometimes be difficult to practice consistently. Research show that guided activities can help clients strengthen empathy and weave it into their daily actions.
The Empathy Worksheets include activities that guide clients in noticing other people’s feelings and experiences, and responding with empathy. The Understanding Empathy worksheet features self-check questions on empathetic behaviors and helps them think about their responses. The Practicing Empathy worksheet builds on this learning and adds more situational examples that test empathetic responses with family and friends.
Working through these exercises helps kids and teens consider other people’s perspectives, which strengthens relationships. They can also spend a few minutes each day reflecting on how others might feel in different situations.
Once they are finished, caring adults can introduce short emotion check-ins and ask questions such as, “How do you think they felt?” or “What could you do differently to help?” to keep the learning going.
Our All About Empathy handout nicely complements these worksheets.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of Character Education worksheets.
References:
- Cuff, B. M., Brown, S. J., Taylor, L., & Howat, D. J. (2014). Empathy: A review of the concept. Emotion Review, 8(2), 144-153. https://doi.org/10.1177/1754073914558466
- Lupu, E. (2020). Study related to the empathy among young generation. Science, Movement and Health, 20(2 Suppl), 247–253.
- Pagani, C., & Robustelli, F. (2010). Young people, multiculturalism, and educational interventions for the development of empathy. International Social Science Journal, 61(200-201), 247-261. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2451.2011.01761.x
- Wagaman, M. A. (2011). Social empathy as a framework for adolescent empowerment. Journal of Social Service Research, 37(3), 278-293. https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2011.564045
