What’s Empathy?
What is the definition of empathy?
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
What’s one thing you can do to show someone you are listening?
Make eye contact, nod, or give verbal affirmations like "I understand."
What can you say if someone tells you they’re feeling sad?
"I'm here for you," or "I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. Do you want to talk about it?"
What is one word to describe how someone might feel after failing a test?
Disappointed or frustrated.
Name one situation where you might need to use empathy.
When a friend is sad, when someone is nervous, or when someone feels left out.
True or False: Empathy means feeling sorry for someone.
False. Empathy is understanding someone’s feelings, not pitying them.
True or False: Empathetic listening involves waiting for your turn to talk.
False. Empathetic listening involves actively listening to understand, not just waiting to respond.
True or False: Ignoring someone when they’re upset is an empathetic response.
False. Ignoring someone is the opposite of showing empathy.
How might someone feel if they were left out of a group activity?
Lonely, sad, or left out.
If someone is visibly upset, what’s one empathetic thing you could say?
"I'm here for you" or "It sounds like you're really going through something hard."
What’s the difference between empathy and sympathy?
Empathy is sharing and understanding another's feelings, while sympathy is feeling pity or sorrow for someone’s misfortune.
When someone shares a problem, what’s one question you can ask to show empathy?
“How does that make you feel?” or “Can you tell me more about it?”
If someone looks nervous, what’s one thing you can do to show you care?
Offer reassurance, ask if they’re okay, or let them know you're there for them.
True or False: People show emotions in the same way.
False. People express emotions differently depending on their personalities and situations.
What does it mean to “validate” someone’s feelings?
Acknowledge their feelings as real and understandable without judgment.
Fill in the blank: Empathy involves “putting yourself in someone else’s ____.”
Shoes.
Name two non-verbal ways to show empathy while listening.
Nodding, leaning in, facial expressions that match their emotions.
Describe a way to show empathy to a friend who is feeling left out.
Invite them to join in, listen to how they’re feeling, or spend time with them to show they are valued.
What’s an empathetic response to someone who says, “I’m so stressed about my schoolwork”?
"That sounds really hard. I’m here if you need to talk about it."
Why is it important to avoid interrupting when someone is sharing a tough experience?
Interrupting can make them feel unheard and can prevent them from fully expressing themselves.
Name two ways people can show empathy without using words.
Nodding, making eye contact, using facial expressions, or giving a comforting touch.
What is “reflective listening” and why is it important in empathy?
Reflective listening is repeating back what someone has said in your own words to show you understand. It’s important because it shows the speaker that you are truly listening and validating their feelings.
When showing empathy, why is it important to avoid giving quick advice?
Because empathy is about understanding and supporting their feelings, not trying to fix the problem right away.
Name three different emotions someone might feel when facing a big change.
Nervous, excited, or scared.
Describe a time when someone showed empathy towards you. How did it make you feel?
(Allow players to respond based on personal experience.)