Empathy Map Drawing for Kids

Large paper (the bigger the better)

Markers or crayons in multiple colors

A ruler for dividing sections (optional)

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?"

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.