What Does Empathy Mean?

Is this a question your students have brought up before? This SEL vocabulary term is one that may be a bit tricky for some students to understand, but it is an important one for students to know. Let’s take a quick look at what empathy is and how you can explain this concept to your students.

Empathy is an incredible gift that truly allows us to connect with others on a deep level. It involves understanding and sharing the feelings, thoughts and experiences of those around us and demonstrating genuine care for their well-being. When we practice empathy, we step into the shoes of others, seeing the world through their eyes and offering kindness and understanding. This powerful tool helps us build strong relationships and offer unwavering support to those who need it most. By showing compassion and interest in the emotions and experiences of others, we can create a more positive, connected world.

How to Use Your Empathy Word Search Worksheet

We are excited to share a word search created by teachers that will be a great addition to your social emotional lessons. It includes 16 important vocabulary words related to empathy that your students will enjoy searching for in different directions. Plus, we’ve included an answer key for your convenience. This activity is an effective way to introduce or review essential terms and is sure to engage your students in a fun and educational way.

Words included in this word search are: 

This word search could be used as a preview to your unit on empathy, a fast-finisher activity or as part of an independent activity in a learning center.

How to Get Your Word Search With Different Empathy Words

Are you ready to get your hands on this printable word search? Simply click the green download button and choose either the quick-print PDF document or the editable Google Slides File. 

If you select the Google Slides file, you will first be prompted to make a copy of the document to your personal drive.

Extra Resources for Your SEL Lessons

Are you looking for additional resources for your social-emotional lesson plans? Check out some of our featured resources below!

teaching resource

Emotion Strategies Wheel

Help your students self-regulate when they experience "big" emotions with this hands-on emotions wheel with accompanying calming strategies.

teaching resource

Listening to Others – Discussion Task Cards and Poster

Give students the opportunity to work on their listening skills and learn what it means to be a good listener with this set of 42 discussion cards and classroom poster.

teaching resource

The Worry Waterfall – Anxiety Management Poster

Teach your students how to deal effectively with worrying thoughts with this classroom poster.