Activity Overview
Many customs differ from country to country. This activity allows students to practice their English along with the local customs expected when dining in a restaurant. Students will use the template provided to create a three cell storyboard that covers how to order at a restaurant, how to make conversation, and how to pay the bill. Students can practice their English and demonstrate their knowledge of the answers to these prompts by writing in the description boxes as well as including speech bubbles within their illustration. Afterwards, students can present their storyboards to the class adding a speaking component to the activity!
As an addition to this activity, teachers may ask students to add a row and answer the prompts for their country or culture, allowing them to teach others about their culture and extend their English practice.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that shows how to eat and make conversation in a restaurant!
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment"
- Using the template provided, write your answers to the prompts in the description box.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Add speech bubbles for your characters to make conversation!
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing and Grammar usage | All of the written descriptions and speech bubbles with dialogue are detailed, complete and grammatically correct. | Most of the written descriptions and speech bubbles with dialogue are detailed and complete with only a few grammatical errors. | Only some of the written descriptions and speech bubbles with dialogue are complete with many grammatical errors. |
| Illustrations | All of the illustrations clearly depict the written descriptions using appropriate characters, scenes and items. | Most of the illustrations depict the written descriptions using appropriate characters, scenes and items. Some are unclear or unfinished. | Only a few of the illustrations depict the written descriptions using appropriate characters, scenes and items. Most are unclear or unfinished. |
| Effort | All of the work is complete, thorough, and neat. It is evident student put forth a lot of effort. | Most of the work is complete, thorough, and neat. It is evident student only put forth some effort. | Only some of the work is complete, thorough, and neat. It is evident student did not put forth adequate effort. |
How to Use Storyboards for Teaching Dining Etiquette in Different Cultures in ESL
Introducing Dining Etiquette Across Cultures
Begin the lesson by discussing the concept of dining etiquette and how it varies across different cultures. Provide examples from various countries, covering aspects like greetings, seating arrangements, utensil use, and tipping customs. Use pictures or videos to illustrate these differences, making the introduction visually engaging and informative.
Research on Dining Etiquette in a Chosen Culture
Assign students the task of researching the dining etiquette of a specific culture. This research could include aspects like how to order food, common table manners, and any unique dining customs of that culture. Encourage students to use ESL resources, like language learning websites or cultural guides, to assist their research.
Creating the Storyboards
Instruct students to create a three-cell storyboard depicting a dining scenario in the culture they researched. Each cell should represent a different aspect of the dining experience – for instance, the first cell could show ordering food, the second could illustrate an important table manner, and the third could depict the process of paying the bill or tipping. Encourage creativity in their illustrations and include text or speech bubbles in English to describe what is happening in each scene.
Presenting and Discussing the Storyboards
Have students present their storyboards to the class or in small groups. This can be done through oral presentations or a gallery walk where storyboards are displayed around the room. Encourage the audience to ask questions, fostering a discussion about the similarities and differences in dining etiquette across cultures. This step not only reinforces the students' understanding of dining customs but also enhances their speaking and listening skills in English.
Frequently Asked Questions about Going to a Restaurant: Local Customs
What Are Common Restaurant Etiquette Practices in Different Cultures?
Restaurant etiquette varies greatly across cultures. In Western countries, it's typical to wait to be seated, use cutlery for most foods, and tip the server. In many Asian cultures, communal dining is common, with chopsticks often used as the primary utensils. In countries like China, it's customary to order several dishes for the table to share. In the Middle East and parts of Africa, eating with the right hand is the norm, and utensils may be used less frequently. Tipping practices also differ significantly: it's expected in places like the United States, often included as a service charge in Europe, and not customary in Japan and South Korea. Being aware of these differences is crucial for appropriate restaurant behavior in different cultural contexts.
How Can I Politely Decline Food or Drink Offers in a Cultural Setting?
Declining food or drink offers in a cultural setting should be done tactfully to avoid offending the host. A polite and brief explanation can be sufficient. You might cite dietary restrictions, health reasons, or personal preferences. Express gratitude for the offer and, if possible, participate in other aspects of the meal or social interaction to demonstrate your willingness to engage. In some cultures, it is considered polite to try a small amount before declining further. If declining is a sensitive issue, such as in the case of alcohol in certain social settings, you can mention health reasons or personal policies. The key is to communicate your refusal respectfully and make it clear that it is a personal choice, not a negative comment on the food or hospitality.
What Are the Expectations Around Dress Code in Restaurants Globally?
Dress code expectations in restaurants vary globally and can depend on the type of restaurant and the cultural setting. In many high-end or formal restaurants in Western countries, a smart or business casual dress code is often expected. In contrast, casual dining establishments typically have a more relaxed dress code. In some Middle Eastern and Asian countries, conservative dress might be preferred, especially in upscale or traditional venues. Tourists and visitors are generally advised to research or inquire about dress codes beforehand to avoid discomfort or disrespect. It's also wise to err on the side of caution and choose attire that is on the conservative side if you are unsure about the local customs.
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