Everyday Empathy Scenarios Worksheet

Instructions: Read each scenario. Circle the most empathetic response (A, B, or C). Then explain why you chose this response.

1. During lunch, you notice your classmate Sophia is sitting alone and looks sad.
   A. Ignore her and keep eating.
   B. Invite her to join your table and ask if she’s okay.
   C. Tell the teacher she’s not with anyone.

Explain why you chose this response:

1. At recess, Kyle falls off the swing and scrapes his knee.
   A. Run and tell the teacher he fell.
   B. Help him stand up and offer to get a tissue.
   C. Laugh and swing higher yourself.

Explain why you chose this response:

1. During classwork, Lily realizes she left her eraser at home.
   A. Share your eraser with her so she can keep working.
   B. Say, “Too bad,” and continue your work.
   C. Tell her to ask someone else.

Explain why you chose this response:

1. In art class, Ben accidentally spills paint on his friend’s paper.
   A. Help him clean it up and encourage him.
   B. Tease him for messing up the painting.
   C. Ignore him and keep painting.

Explain why you chose this response:

1. For math homework, Jacob is stuck on a problem and feeling frustrated.
   A. Offer to help him understand the problem.
   B. Tell him to figure it out himself.
   C. Finish your own work and ignore him.

Explain why you chose this response:

Great work! Remember, empathy means understanding and caring about how others feel.

Worksheet Answer Key

This answer key provides the most empathetic choice for each scenario, along with a step-by-step thought process and rationale.

Question 1

During lunch, Sophia is sitting alone and looks sad.
Correct Response: B. Invite her to join your table and ask if she’s okay.

Step-by-Step Thought Process:

1. Observe Sophia’s body language and facial expression (sad, alone).
2. Recall that empathy means both understanding feelings and taking kind action.
3. Evaluate options:
   • A ignores her feelings.
   • C shifts responsibility to the teacher without offering direct support.
   • B offers companionship and checks in on her feelings.

Rationale: Choosing B demonstrates caring, builds connection, and helps Sophia feel noticed and supported.

Question 2

At recess, Kyle falls off the swing and scrapes his knee.
Correct Response: B. Help him stand up and offer to get a tissue.

Step-by-Step Thought Process:

1. Recognize Kyle may be hurt and in shock or pain.
2. Recall that empathy involves comfort and practical help.
3. Evaluate options:
   • A only reports without personal help.
   • C laughs, showing insensitivity.
   • B provides immediate support and comfort.

Rationale: Option B addresses Kyle’s physical need and shows concern for his well-being.

Question 3

During classwork, Lily realizes she left her eraser at home.
Correct Response: A. Share your eraser with her so she can keep working.

Step-by-Step Thought Process:

1. Notice Lily’s frustration or difficulty finishing her work.
2. Understand empathy as stepping in to help others succeed.
3. Evaluate options:
   • B is dismissive.
   • C shifts responsibility back to her peers without support.
   • A shares a needed resource.

Rationale: Sharing your eraser (A) removes a barrier and shows kindness, enabling Lily to continue learning.

Question 4

In art class, Ben accidentally spills paint on his friend’s paper.
Correct Response: A. Help him clean it up and encourage him.

Step-by-Step Thought Process:

1. Identify that Ben feels embarrassed or upset about the mistake.
2. Recall that empathy means offering practical and emotional support.
3. Evaluate options:
   • B teases, worsening his embarrassment.
   • C ignores the situation.
   • A offers help and kind words.

Rationale: By assisting with cleanup and encouragement, A helps Ben feel supported and less anxious.

Question 5

For math homework, Jacob is stuck on a problem and feeling frustrated.
Correct Response: A. Offer to help him understand the problem.

Step-by-Step Thought Process:

1. Observe Jacob’s frustration and recognize his need for support.
2. Understand empathy as helping others learn and feel confident.
3. Evaluate options:
   • B dismisses his struggle.
   • C ignores him entirely.
   • A provides direct help and encouragement.

Rationale: Offering help (A) shows patience and willingness to support Jacob’s learning process.

Summary: In each scenario, the most empathetic action combines noticing another’s feelings with a kind, proactive response. When grading, look for students who identify the feelings involved and choose actions that offer direct support and understanding.

Empathy Exit Ticket

1. In your own words, what does empathy mean?
   
   
   
2. Describe one time today (in class or elsewhere) when you showed empathy. What did you do?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. How will you show empathy tomorrow? Give one specific example.