Introduction
Eating a meal with others is a common social activity that requires certain etiquette and behavior. The Restaurant Rules help students understand how to act appropriately during meals with family, friends, or while dining out. These rules emphasize the importance of self-control, hygiene, and manners. In this blog post, we will discuss the Restaurant Rules in detail, provide a no-prep activity for educators to use in the classroom, and offer discussion questions to stimulate further conversation.
No-Prep Activity: The Polite Diners Game
This simple activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Divide the students into groups of 4 or 5 and have them sit around a table, as if they were at a restaurant. The objective is for each student to demonstrate the Restaurant Rules while enjoying an imaginary meal together.
As the students engage in conversation, the educator should observe and take note of their behavior. After the activity, the educator can provide feedback, pointing out the positive actions and suggesting improvements where necessary. Students can also discuss their observations and share their thoughts on how well they followed the Restaurant Rules. This activity encourages students to practice self-control, good hygiene, and manners in a fun and interactive way.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to practice good hygiene and manners while eating with others?
- What are some examples of polite actions to use at the table?
- How can using the Restaurant Rules help us build better relationships with our friends and family?
- What challenges might someone face when trying to follow the Restaurant Rules, and how can they overcome them?
- Can you think of a situation where you observed someone not following the Restaurant Rules? How did it make you feel?
Related Skills
In addition to the Restaurant Rules, there are other relevant skills for students to develop in order to thrive in social situations. These include:
- Active Listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying and demonstrating understanding by responding appropriately.
- Empathy: Recognizing and understanding the feelings of others, and responding with care and support.
- Conflict Resolution: Addressing disagreements and finding solutions that are fair and respectful to all parties involved.
- Assertiveness: Expressing one’s own thoughts, feelings, and needs in a respectful and confident manner.
Next Steps
Now that you have learned about the Restaurant Rules and their importance in social-emotional learning, it’s time to start practicing these skills with your students. To help you get started, we invite you to explore our free sample materials that cover a wide range of social-emotional learning topics. By incorporating these resources into your curriculum, you can support your students in developing essential life skills that will help them navigate social situations with confidence and ease.
