Empathy Exploration Worksheet

This worksheet guides you through matching feelings to real‐life situations, drawing personal experiences, and practicing how to help others with empathy.

Part 1: Match the Emotion to the Scenario

Draw a line or write the letter of the correct emotion next to each scenario.

Emotions:
A. Happy
B. Sad
C. Scared
D. Excited
E. Proud

Scenarios:

1. You find out your family is taking you to the zoo this weekend. _____
2. You see a big thunderstorm outside and hear loud thunder. _____
3. You finish building a tall block tower all by yourself. _____
4. Your friend shares their favorite snack with you. _____
5. You lose your favorite toy at the playground. _____

Part 2: Draw a Time You Felt Each Emotion

Choose three emotions from the list above. For each one, write its name, draw a picture of when you felt it, and then describe that moment in a sentence.

1. Emotion Name: ____________________
   Draw it here:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Sentence:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Emotion Name: ____________________
   Draw it here:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Sentence:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Emotion Name: ____________________
   Draw it here:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Sentence:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Practicing Empathy—Helping Others

1. Think of a time someone you know (a friend or family member) felt sad or scared. Describe what happened and what you did (or could do) to help them feel better:

1. Now think of a time someone felt excited or proud. Describe how you shared in their joy or congratulated them:

When you’re finished, be ready to share your answers and drawings with your partner or family. Remember: practicing empathy helps us connect and support one another!

Understanding Feelings and Mental Health

Everyone has feelings, and sometimes our feelings can feel big or confusing. It helps to know that it’s okay to have any feeling—and talking about them can make us feel better.

Meet Maya and Liam

Maya is 9 years old. Today she feels a flutter in her tummy because she has a spelling test at school. She worries she might spell words wrong and feels anxious. At home, Liam is 3. He sometimes feels sad when Mommy goes to work and he misses her hugs.

Mom explains that everyone’s brain and heart work together, and sometimes our brains notice things that make us feel worried, sad, or excited. These are called emotions. Emotions help us understand what’s going on inside us.

When Feelings Get Big

• Anxiety is when you feel very nervous or scared about something that might happen.
• Sadness is when you feel down or like crying because something makes you hurt inside.
• Happiness and excitement make you smile and feel warm, like when Maya goes to the zoo with her family.
• Anger can make you feel hot and tense if someone hurts your feelings or something is unfair.

Our feelings are like weather in our mind—they change from day to day. Sometimes the stormiest feelings come when we least expect them.

How to Take Care of Big Feelings

1. Name It. Say out loud, “I feel scared,” or “I feel sad.” Naming your feeling can make it smaller and easier to understand.
2. Breathe. Take three deep breaths, pretending you’re blowing bubbles.
3. Talk to Someone. Tell a family member or friend how you feel. When Maya told her mom about the test, Mom listened and helped her study.
4. Show Kindness. When you see someone upset—like little Liam missing Mommy—give a hug or draw a picture to cheer them up.

You’re Not Alone

Everyone—kids and grownups—has feelings they don’t always understand. Talking, drawing, or even making a heart collage can help us share what’s inside. When we listen with kindness and without judging, we help each other heal and grow.

Remember: your feelings are important. Sharing them helps your family feel connected and loved.

Ready to explore your feelings more? Let’s read, draw, and talk together!

Family Discussion Prompt Cards

Use these prompt cards to spark sharing and empathy. Place cards face down and take turns drawing one to discuss.

1. Share a Time You Felt Proud
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • What happened, and why did it make you feel proud?
2. What Helps When You’re Sad?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Describe something that cheers you up when you feel down.
3. A Moment You Were Scared
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Talk about a time you felt scared. What did you do to feel safer?
4. Noticing Others’ Emotions
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • How can you tell when someone else is feeling sad or worried?
5. Big Feelings Strategy
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Which tip from the reading (naming, breathing, talking, kindness) helps you most? Why?
6. Showing You Care
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • If a family member feels upset, what could you say or do to help them feel better?
7. Celebrating Joy
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Describe a time you felt excited. How did you share that excitement with others?
8. A Helping Action
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Think of someone you know who was sad or scared. What kind thing did you do (or could have done)?
9. Feeling Check-In
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Right now, what word describes how you feel? Why did you choose that word?
10. Family Support Promise

• One promise you can make to support someone in your family when they have big feelings:

Encourage listeners to use empathetic responses: “I’m here for you,” “That sounds tough,” or “I’m proud of you.”

Connection Craft Activity Kit

Use this kit to create a family heart collage that shows your feelings and support for each other.

Materials (per family):

• Large poster board or sturdy paper (one per family)
• Pre-cut heart shapes in various sizes (construction paper or cardstock)
• Magazines or colored paper scraps for decorating
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
• Stickers, glitter, and other embellishments (optional)
• Glue sticks or white glue
• Scissors

Step 1: Decorate Your Heart

1. Choose a heart shape.
2. On one side, draw or collage images that show how you feel inside (happy faces, calm scenes, rain clouds, etc.).
3. On the other side, write a short supportive message for another family member (e.g., “I’m proud of you,” “I’m here when you’re sad,” “Let’s take deep breaths together”).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Step 2: Assemble the Family Collage

1. Lay out the poster board.
2. Arrange each decorated heart on the board—overlapping is okay!
3. Glue the hearts in place.
4. If you like, add extra decorations around the hearts (stickers, drawings, or words that describe your family’s support).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Step 3: Share and Display

• Take turns pointing to your heart and reading your message aloud.
• Talk about what you drew and why it represents your feelings.
• Agree on a special spot at home to hang your collage as a daily reminder of your empathy and connection.

Tip for Moms and Grown-ups: Encourage each child to explain their choices and validate each message with kind words. Celebrate everyone’s unique way of expressing care!