Sierra School of San Diego Students Build Job Skills Through Waffle House Experience

Students at Sierra School of San Diego are building job skills through a simulated restaurant experience known as Waffle House. The activity combines Student of the Month recognition with hands-on opportunities to practice communication, teamwork, and workplace responsibilities.

Each month, one student from every classroom earns recognition for demonstrating the school’s featured character trait. This month, students were celebrated for being considerate.

Celebrating Students Through a Special Experience

Recognized students get to invite a staff member of their choice to join them for a special dining experience. Rather than simply serving a meal, the activity puts students at the center of running the restaurant.

With support from the school’s occupational therapy and speech teams, students take on different restaurant roles. Responsibilities include serving as host, busser, waiter, cook, and manager.

The experience gives students a fun way to celebrate their accomplishments while taking on new responsibilities alongside their peers and staff.

Building Job Skills Through Hands-On Learning

Working in the simulated restaurant gives students opportunities to practice skills they can use beyond the classroom. Students communicate with guests, work together, complete assigned tasks, and adjust as different needs arise throughout the experience.

The activity also supports executive functioning skills such as planning, organization, task completion, and following multi-step routines. By practicing these skills in a supportive setting, students can build greater confidence while exploring workplace expectations.

Waffle House brings together recognition and real-world learning in an experience students can enjoy and help lead. It also gives Sierra School of San Diego another way to celebrate student growth while preparing learners for greater independence.