Compassion and Empathy word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Compassion and Empathy word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this compassion and empathy puzzle set for my 2nd and 3rd graders during our social-emotional learning unit. The kids could be nice to others but had no idea what words like compassion, empathy, or understanding actually meant. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like compassion, empathy, understanding, kindness, caring, share, listen, help, comfort, support, include, and respect. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the vocabulary finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or indoor recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether empathy means feeling sorry for someone. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple heart, hugging hands, and smiley face drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 2nd through 4th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write one way they showed compassion today on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.