Empathy Map Drawing for Kids
Draw an empathy map for a character or real person — what they think, feel, say, and do — to build deep perspective-taking skills.
What You'll Need
- 1Large paper
- 2Markers or crayons
- 3Ruler for dividing sections (optional)
What You'll Need
Large paper (the bigger the better)
Markers or crayons in multiple colors
A ruler for dividing sections (optional)
How to Play
Draw a big circle on the paper and divide it into 4 equal sections.
Label them: THINKS (top left), FEELS (top right), SAYS (bottom left), DOES (bottom right).
Choose someone to map: a book character, a friend, a teacher, or even a pet.
Start with FEELS: "What emotions does this person have? What makes them happy, sad, or scared?"
Move to THINKS: "What do they think about? What are they worried about or hoping for?"
Then SAYS: "What kinds of things do they say often? How do they talk?"
Finally DOES: "What do they do when they're happy? When they're upset?"
Why It Works
Empathy maps are used by designers, therapists, and educators because they force you to deeply consider another person's inner world. When a child fills in "what they think" versus "what they say," they discover that people's inner experiences don't always match their outward behavior. That's a sophisticated social insight. This activity builds cognitive empathy — the ability to understand another person's perspective even when it differs from your own. It's also a powerful tool for resolving conflicts: "Let's make an empathy map of your friend and see how they might be feeling."
Tips
Start with a fictional character — it's easier to imagine a character's inner life than a real person's.
Use colors: red for FEELS, blue for THINKS, green for SAYS, orange for DOES.
The most powerful learning moment: when what someone FEELS doesn't match what they SAY.
Keep completed maps and revisit them. Your child's empathy skills will deepen over time.
Age Adaptation Tips
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: large paper, markers or crayons, ruler for dividing sections (optional).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 5-8 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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