Lunchroom Routine Flowchart Cafeteria Social Routine
Lunchroom Success Flowchart
Visual Anchor Chart
Step-by-Step Daily Guide
Follow these 4 friendly steps every day to navigate the cafeteria line, find a great seat, and enjoy lunchtime with peers!
Step 1
Get Your Food Calmly
In the Line
Wait patiently with two hands on your tray. Make quick choices (entree, fruit or veggie, milk or water) to keep the line moving safely.
Two hands on tray Walking feet Quick decision
Step 2
Scan for an Open Seat
Table Search
Walk toward the tables and scan with your eyes. Look for empty chairs without backpacks or jackets on them, and spot classmates with friendly body language.
Look for empty chairs Friendly eye contact
Step 3
Ask Politely to Join
Social Check
Approach the open chair and ask in a calm, friendly tone. Wait for the peer to look up and answer before pulling out the seat.
Magic Words: "Hi! Is anyone sitting here?" or "Can I sit with you?"
Step 4
Sit Down, Eat & Table Talk
Connect
Sit down safely, unpack your food, and join the table talk! Take turns sharing ideas and ask friendly questions to keep the conversation rolling.
Table talk voice Share & ask back
Golden Rule: Keep personal space clean, stay seated while eating, and listen when others speak!
Page 1 of 2
Resilience & Coping Tool
The Lunchroom Backup Plan
Coping Strategy
When Seats Are Taken
Key Truth to Remember:
Tables fill up super fast in the cafeteria! If someone says "This seat is saved," it doesn't mean they don't like you. It just means the chair has a friend coming. Stay cool and run your backup plan!
Plan A
1. Pause & Stay Calm
Body Check
Keep your body relaxed. Take one slow, deep belly breath. Lower your shoulders and keep a soft face.
Breathe In: Smell the flower (4 seconds)
Breathe Out: Blow out the candle (4 seconds)
Plan B
2. Say the Cool Phrase
Social Words
Answer with a calm voice and a quick head nod. This shows everyone that you are friendly, flexible, and polite.
"Okay, no problem!" "Thanks anyway!" "Have a good lunch!"
Plan C
3. Find an Open Spot or Ask an Adult
Take Action
Turn your tray toward another open spot. If all tables look full, find a cafeteria monitor, BCBA, or teacher and ask for help.
Ask Teacher: "Excuse me, could you help me find an open seat?"
My Cafeteria Promise: Fill in the Blanks
Student Practice
1. If someone tells me a seat is saved, I will take a breath.
2. My cool phrase to say with a smile will be:
3. If I cannot find a seat, I can ask to help me.
Lunchroom Navigation & Social Routine Program Page 2 of 2
Seat Spotter Cards Cafeteria Simulation Tool
Open Seat Spotter Cards
Print & Cut Set Green = Welcoming Table
Cut along dashed lines. Fold table tents or place flat on chairs during cafeteria line simulations.
Foldable Tent
OPEN SEAT!
Come Sit With Us
Student Asks:
"Hi! Is anyone sitting here?"
Table Responds:
"Yeah! Come sit right here!"
Fold line along the center for freestanding table tent
Chair Marker
EMPTY CHAIR
Welcoming New Friends
Student Asks:
"Can I pull up a chair with you?"
Table Responds:
"Sure thing! Slide your tray over!"
Practice greeting with eye contact and a gentle smile
Tray Placemat
BUDDY TABLE
All Are Welcome Here
Cafeteria Rule Checklist:
Keep backpack under table
Keep elbows to yourself
Use inside talking voice
Place on table to indicate open invitation zone
Action Cue
JOIN IN!
Good Topic Station
When You Sit Down:
1. Set tray flat on the table
2. Introduce yourself: "I'm [Name]"
3. Draw a Table Talk Card
Great for peer-modeling and group reinforcement
Cut along outer borders • Laminate for repeated group use Page 1 of 2
Coping & Resilience Practice
Saved & Taken Seat Markers
Simulation Markers Amber = Practicing Rejection
Use these markers during role plays so clients can practice responding calmly with the "Cool Phrase".
Role Play Marker
SEAT SAVED
Friend is in Line
Peer Says:
"Sorry, my friend is sitting here."
My Cool Response:
"Okay, no problem! Have a good lunch!"
Action: Take a breath, smile, scan for next open spot
Foldable Tent
TABLE FULL
No Chairs Remaining
What It Means:
All seats are taken by classmates. It does NOT mean anything personal!
Next Step:
Walk calmly to the next lunch table row.
Remember: Tables fill up fast! Stay calm and confident.
Visual Cue Marker
ITEM ON CHAIR
Check Before Sitting
Detective Eye Skill:
If you see a backpack, jacket, or water bottle on a chair, someone is probably sitting there!
Cafeteria Scenarios Role Play Pair Practice Cards
Cafeteria Scenarios Role Play
Structured Practice Scenarios 1, 2 & 3
Work in pairs. Partner A and Partner B practice each script twice, then switch roles! Check off the stars when done.
1
Choosing Food Quickly in Line
Skill: Line Pace & Choices
Situation: Partner A is looking at the lunch bins and feels frozen about what to pick. Partner B helps model a quick choice.
Partner A (Unsure):
"Uh... I don't know if I want the chicken nuggets or the pizza slice."
Partner B (Helper):
"Pick whichever one sounds yummy first so the line keeps moving! I'll pick nuggets!"
Target: Make a decision in under 5 seconds
Stars:
2
Asking to Join an Open Table
Skill: Polite Entry
Situation: Partner A carries their tray to a table with an empty chair. Partner B is already seated eating.
Partner A (Seeks Seat):
"Hi! Is this seat open? Can I sit with you guys?"
Partner B (Welcomer):
"Yeah! Come sit right here! We were just talking about gym class."
Target: Clear voice, polite smile, gentle eye contact
Stars:
3
Handling Rejection Calmly (Seat Saved)
Skill: Coping & Resilience
Situation: Partner A asks to sit down, but Partner B's friend is already coming from the milk cooler.
Partner B (Delivers News):
"Sorry, my friend is sitting here. They're getting milk."
Partner A (Copes Calmly):
[Takes deep belly breath] "Okay, no problem! Have a good lunch!"
Target: Stay calm, use cool phrase, scan for next open spot
Stars:
Lunchroom Navigation & Social Routine • Role Play Set Page 1 of 2
Pair Practice Cards
Cafeteria Scenarios Role Play
Structured Practice Scenarios 4, 5 & 6
Continue with conversation starters, accidental mess protocols, and including friends standing alone!
4
Starting a Fun Lunchroom Topic
Skill: Table Talk Initiation
Situation: Partner A is seated and wants to start a friendly chat with Partner B instead of sitting silently.
Partner A (Topic Starter):
"What are you guys playing at recess today? Want to do four-square?"
Partner B (Responds & Asks):
Table Talk Cue Cards Reciprocal Conversation Practice
Table Talk Cue Cards
Print & Cut Set Cards 1, 2 & 3
Draw a card at the lunch table! Ask a question, listen to your peer's answer, and use the Rally Rule to keep the talk going.
Card 1: Recess & Play Time
Outdoor Fun & Games
Questions to Ask Your Table:
"What are you going to play at recess today?"
"Do you want to play tag, basketball, or swings?"
"What is your favorite playground game?"
"Who is the fastest runner in our grade?"
Conversation Rally: After they answer, say: "That sounds fun! Can I join you today?"
Card 2: Food & Lunchbox Talk
Tasty Snacks & Meals
Questions to Ask Your Table:
"What did you bring for lunch today?"
"If you could eat any dessert right now, what would it be?"
"Are you a fan of hot lunch or cold lunch better?"
"What is your absolute favorite after-school snack?"
Conversation Rally: After they answer, share: "Ooh, I love that too! My favorite is..."
Card 3: Shows & Video Games
Entertainment & Media
Questions to Ask Your Table:
"What cartoon or movie did you watch this weekend?"
"Do you like playing Roblox, Minecraft, or Mario?"
"Who is your favorite superhero or video game character?"
"Have you played any cool tablet or console games lately?"
Conversation Rally: After they answer, ask: "What level are you on?" or "Who is your team?"
Cut along dashed lines • Laminate cards for table bins Page 1 of 2
Reciprocal Conversation Practice
Table Talk Cue Cards
Print & Cut Set Cards 4, 5 & 6
Keep practicing two-way conversation rallies! Remember: good table talkers listen with their eyes and ears.
Card 4: Weekend & Pet Talk
Home Life & Pets
Questions to Ask Your Table:
"Do you have any pets at home? What are their names?"
"What is the most fun thing you did this past weekend?"
"Are you going anywhere fun or doing clubs after school?"
"What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?"
Conversation Rally: After they answer, ask: "What does your pet look like?" or "Who did you go with?"
Card 5: Hobbies & School Fun
Interests & Art
Questions to Ask Your Table:
"If you could have any superpower at school, what would it be?"
"What kind of drawing, building, or Legos do you like to make?"
Lunchroom Facilitator Guide The COR Behavioral Group • Staff Guide
Lunchroom Navigation & Social Routine
BCBA / Facilitator Guide Multi-Day Simulation
Clinical Learning Objective
Elementary clients will identify and execute the sequential steps of the lunchroom routine (buying/getting lunch, choosing food, selecting a seat), initiate reciprocal table conversations using cue cards, and demonstrate appropriate coping strategies (breathing, cool phrase, self-advocacy) when faced with social rejection or seating conflicts.
Materials Needed
Pretend play trays & food items
Table Seat Marker Cards (Open/Saved)
Visual Routine & Backup Flowchart
Table Talk Cue Cards (6 sets)
1 Facilitator Introduction & Rationale Script
5-7 Minutes
"Lunchtime is one of the best parts of the school day, but it can also feel confusing or overwhelming! Today, we are learning the Lunchroom Routine: how to line up and pick your food, how to find a friendly place to sit, what fun things to talk about, and what to do if someone tells you a seat is taken."
Clarifying Question 1: "How do you decide where to sit when you walk into the lunchroom?"
Clarifying Question 2: "What can you do if you ask to sit next to someone and they say 'No' or 'This seat is saved'?"
2 Day 1: Cafeteria Line & Seating Practice
Line & Seat Navigation
Station 1: Lunch Line Simulation: Mock food service line. Clients hold tray with two hands, wait behind peer, select balanced items (entree, produce, milk), and maintain physical distance without rushing.
Station 2: Scanning & Asking: Place Open Seat and Saved Seat markers on chairs. Clients identify open spots, walk calmly, establish eye contact, and vocalize: "Hi! Is anyone sitting here?"
Station 3: Structured Role Plays: Run Scenarios 1-3 in pairs. Focus specifically on Scenario 3 (Handling Rejection: belly breath + "Okay, no problem!" + redirect).
Lunchroom Navigation Facilitator Guide • Clinical Series Page 1 of 2
Day 2 Protocol & Data System
Interactive Simulation & Assessment
Behavioral Tracking Mastery Rubric
3 Day 2: Open Cafeteria Mingle & Table Talk Rally
Dynamic Generalization
The Two-Table Setup
Set up Table A as Full/Saved Table (peers instructed to politely decline seat: "Sorry, friend is sitting here"). Set up Table B as Welcoming Table with open spots and conversation bins.
