Gordon,
Saying "thank you" is a little thing that means a lot.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I like the changing the name of the receptionist to "Director of First Impressions".
What I can do is on the first day od class play the song "I Am the Champion" as they enter the classroom. Smile and know their names beforehand. Present myself in a positive and professional manner. Thank them for taking the 1st step to new career and chosing to go into my profession.
That is an awesome idea!! Would love to start at my school too!
I believe you can make a great first impression by having a positive attitude. Your attitude and demeanor are evident even when you think it is not. If you are positive this will be reflected and make a good first impression on students.
Shanika,
Good points. I think it is a good idea to try to make a new "first impression" at the beginning of each class meeting by facilitating something "cool" that peaks student interest and gets them ready to learn.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Making a good "first impression" is one of the most important things when interacting with your students. Maintaining eye contact and presenting yourself as approachable are key.
Huge smile and open body language!
Doris,
Nicely written. The more you can personalize interactions, the more effective you will be.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I always have a smile and a hello. If there are family members around, I ensure I say hi, maybe make a comment regarding a child's shoes etc. I insure I ask how is everything going and if there is any way I can help them. Many students meet me for the first time during orientation. I start with the hello, my name is and a smile. I then explain what I do etc. At the end I remind them, I am always there for them and to please come and talk. Even if it is only regarding sports.
Elisa,
These are all basic things that continue to make a big difference. The next step is to facilitate a great learning experience.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Here are a few things I do every day to give a good first impression:
Dress professionally, be on time to class, smile when students enter the classroom, and ask them how they are doing today.
learning and remembering their names has always been hard for me. so now i make a seating chart.
Evangeline,
This is a great thing to do every day.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Like to smile, welcome, and introduce myself by the door on the first day of class. I tell the class that I am happy to see and that we are begining a journey; one step closer to acheiving their goal.
Jay,
Being prepared is a good way to demonstrate to students that you value them and their time with you.
Jeffrey Schillinger
There are many pieces to this, some have already been mentioned by the others but smiling, eye contact, body language, enthusiasm are all important. When students come to my class I like to have the objectives on board, AV equipment set up, etc. so I can demonstrate that I am prepared and excited about the material I am about to deliver. Greeting each student by name is also extremely important.
So true a simple acknowledgement might be what it takes to change someone's day.
I think that the best way to make a first impression is to exemplify what you expect from your students from the way you speak to the students to simply being on time.
Eye contact, friendly/open body language, and a smile.
Say hello, smile, and share an encouraging word/personal experience.
