When high school students engage in social meals with family, friends, or at a restaurant, it’s essential for them to understand the importance of the Restaurant Rules. These guidelines help students know how to act when eating with others, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. This blog post will provide an overview of the skills related to the Restaurant Rules, a no-prep activity for educators, discussion questions, related skills, and next steps to help students improve their social etiquette during meals.

Introduction

The Restaurant Rules are a set of guidelines that help high school students navigate social meals with ease. By following these rules, students can create a pleasant dining experience for themselves and others. The three key components of the Restaurant Rules include:

• Thinking about hygiene: Keeping clean by washing hands before sitting down, not touching others’ food, and using napkins.
• Using the Self-Controller: Staying calm and patient while eating, taking time to enjoy the meal and the company of others.
• Employing manners: Using polite actions at the table, such as saying please and thank you, excusing oneself before leaving the table, and not talking with a full mouth.

No-Prep Activity: Role-Play Scenarios

In this no-prep activity, educators can have students participate in role-play scenarios to practice the Restaurant Rules. Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students. Assign each group a specific dining scenario, such as eating with family, attending a friend’s dinner party, or dining at a restaurant. Give students 10-15 minutes to prepare a short role-play where they demonstrate the Restaurant Rules in action. Afterward, have each group present their scenario to the class. This activity allows students to practice the skills in a safe and supportive environment, reinforcing the importance of these guidelines in real-life situations.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to follow the Restaurant Rules during social meals? How do they contribute to a positive dining experience?
2. How might the Restaurant Rules vary depending on the setting (e.g., a formal dinner vs. a casual gathering)? Can you think of any additional rules that might apply in specific situations?
3. Discuss a time when you observed someone not following the Restaurant Rules. How did it affect the overall dining experience for others?
4. What strategies can you use to remind yourself to follow the Restaurant Rules when eating with others?
5. How can practicing the Restaurant Rules help you develop stronger social skills and relationships with others?

Related Skills

Beyond the Restaurant Rules, there are other relevant skills that can help high school students navigate social situations with confidence. Some of these skills include:

• Active listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying, showing empathy, and responding appropriately.
• Effective communication: Expressing thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully, both verbally and non-verbally.
• Conflict resolution: Addressing disagreements or misunderstandings in a calm and constructive manner.
• Adapting to social cues: Recognizing and responding to the non-verbal signals and social norms of different situations.

Next Steps

Teaching high school students the Restaurant Rules is an essential step in helping them develop strong social-emotional skills. To access free sample materials related to this skill and others, sign up at Everyday Speech. These resources can provide additional support for educators and students, ensuring a well-rounded approach to social-emotional learning.