• lenny-learning-logoLenny Learning
  • Home
    Home
    • Lessons
    Lessons
  • Curriculum
    Curriculum
  • Surveys
    Surveys
  • Videos
    Videos
  • Support
    Support
  • Log In
lenny

First Impressions

user image

Brittany Stech

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Impression Makers Lesson Plan

Students will learn about positive first impressions and practice talking and acting professionally in new situations.

Making a good first impression is important for jobs, meeting new people, and future success. This lesson helps students feel confident when they meet others.

Audience

8th Grade ESL Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Easy discussions, partner practice, and thinking about what they learned.

Materials

Small whiteboards or paper for each student, Markers or pens, Making a Mark Slide Deck, Role-Play First Encounters, and Impression Snapshot Worksheet

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

  • Review the Impression Makers Lesson Plan and all linked materials: Making a Mark Slide Deck, Role-Play First Encounters, and Impression Snapshot Worksheet.
    - Ensure access to a projector or smartboard for the slide deck.
    - Prepare small whiteboards or paper and markers/pens for each student. Consider preparing simple sentence starters or vocabulary lists on the board for ESL support.

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Begin with the Impression Snapshot Worksheet. Have students write or draw their initial thoughts about first impressions.
    - Facilitate a brief discussion based on their responses, introducing the concept of why first impressions matter (refer to Making a Mark Slide Deck - Slide 1-2). Use simple language and check for understanding.

Step 2

Exploring First Impressions

10 minutes

  • Present the key elements of non-verbal communication (body language) and appropriate greetings using the Making a Mark Slide Deck (Slides 3-6).
    - Use pictures or act out examples of good and bad first impressions.
    - Discuss the importance of looking at people (eye contact), standing tall (posture), shaking hands, and using a friendly voice.

Step 3

Role-Play Practice

10 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs or small groups for the Role-Play First Encounters activity.
    - Provide simple scenarios for students to practice making positive first impressions. Encourage them to use the body language and greetings discussed.
    - Circulate, listen, and provide positive feedback and gentle corrections. Encourage students to observe and learn from each other.

Step 4

Wrap-Up & Reflection

5 minutes

  • Bring the class back together for a quick debrief.
    - Ask students to share one new thing they learned or one thing they will try to do differently.
    - Emphasize that practicing these skills will help them feel more confident. (Refer to Making a Mark Slide Deck - Slide 7)
lenny

Slide Deck

First Impressions: Making Your Mark!

What do you think of when you meet someone new for the first time?

Greet students. Ask, 'What does 'first impression' mean?' Use simple words and gestures to explain if needed. Ask students to share in pairs or as a class.

Why Are First Impressions Important?

People quickly decide things about you when they first meet you.

This can affect:

  • Job interviews (getting a job)
  • New friendships (making friends)
  • Meeting new people (like for a club)
  • How others see your skills and ideas

Explain that first impressions are quick ideas people get about you. Give simple examples: 'When you meet a new teacher, what do you think?' 'When you go for a job, what do they think?' Connect it to their future.

More Than Words: Your Body Language

Your body talks a lot without you saying anything!

This includes:

  • Eye Contact: Look at people's eyes. It shows you are listening and confident.
  • Posture: Stand or sit up straight. It shows you are ready and professional.
  • Handshake: A strong, friendly handshake. It shows you are polite.
  • Facial Expressions: A kind smile. It makes people feel comfortable.

Introduce 'non-verbal communication' – how we speak without words. Ask students for examples: 'What does a smile mean?' 'What about crossing your arms?' Emphasize key body language.

Saying Hello: Good Greetings

How you speak to someone is also very important.

Think about:

  • Speak Clearly: Say your words clearly and with confidence.
  • Be Polite: Use words like 'Hello,' 'Please,' and 'Thank you.'
  • Tell Your Name: Say your name clearly.
  • Ask Questions: Show you are interested in the other person.

Focus on how to start a conversation with words. Practice simple greetings. Emphasize speaking clearly and being polite.

Good Impression vs. Not-So-Good Impression

Let's see some examples:

Good Impression (Example):

  • Comes on time, smiles, looks at eyes, gives a firm handshake.
  • Speaks clearly, says their name, asks good questions.

Not-So-Good Impression (Example):

  • Comes late, avoids looking at eyes, moves nervously, gives a weak handshake.
  • Speaks softly, doesn't say their name, seems bored.

Give simple examples. You can act them out or ask students to show 'good' and 'bad' examples. Keep it light and focus on the main points.

Let's Practice! Role-Play Time!

Now it's your turn to try!

We will do an activity called Role-Play First Encounters.

  • You will work with a partner or small group.
  • Practice different situations.
  • Focus on both your words and your body language!

Explain that they will practice these skills. Refer to the Role-Play First Encounters activity. Tell them to try their best and that it's okay to make mistakes.

Keep Making Great Impressions!

Remember these important ideas:

  • First impressions are very powerful.
  • Your body language (eye contact, how you stand, handshake, smile) is very important.
  • Speaking clearly and politely helps a lot.
  • Practice helps you feel more confident!

What is one new thing you will try?

Finish the lesson by reviewing the main ideas. Ask students, 'What is one thing you will remember?' Encourage them that practice helps them get better.

lenny

Activity

Role-Play First Encounters (Practice Meeting People)

Goal: To practice making good first impressions using both your words and your body language.

Instructions:

  1. Work with a partner or in small groups (2-3 students).
  2. Each group will get a situation (see below). Take turns playing two roles:
    • The person making the first impression.
    • The person receiving the first impression.
  3. Try to use the tips we talked about:
    • Body Language (Non-Verbal): Look at eyes, stand up tall, give a firm handshake, smile.
    • Words (Verbal): Speak clearly, use polite words (hello, please, thank you), say your name, ask questions.
  4. After each practice, tell your partner what they did well. What could they try to do better next time?

Situations:

Situation 1: Meeting a Mentor

What is happening: You are meeting a new adult for the first time. This person might help you get a scholarship (money for school).

Your Goal: Make a very good first impression. Show that you are confident (sure of yourself), respectful, and want to learn.

  • Try to say: "Hello, my name is [Your Name]. It's nice to meet you. Thank you for this opportunity."
  • Remember to: Make eye contact, smile, and offer a firm handshake.












Situation 2: New Club Meeting

What is happening: You are going to the first meeting of a new club (for example, a debate club, a coding club, or an art club). You need to introduce yourself to the club leader or another new member.

Your Goal: Make a friendly and open first impression. Show that you are excited about the club.

  • Try to say: "Hi, I'm [Your Name]. I'm really excited to be part of the [Club Name] club. What kind of activities do we do?"
  • Remember to: Smile and look friendly.












Situation 3: Community Event

What is happening: You are helping at a community event (like a park clean-up or a food drive). Someone introduces you to an important leader or organizer in the community.

Your Goal: Make a respectful and helpful first impression. Show that you care about your community and your work.

  • Try to say: "Good morning/afternoon, my name is [Your Name]. I'm happy to help today. It's great to be here."
  • Remember to: Stand tall and listen carefully.












Reflection Questions (after practicing):

  1. What was easy when you practiced making a first impression?



  2. What was hard or felt a little strange?



  3. What is one specific body language thing (like eye contact or posture) you want to get better at?



  4. What is one specific thing you say (like speaking clearly or asking questions) you want to get better at?



lenny
lenny

Warm Up

Impression Snapshot: What Do You Think?

Instructions: Before we start our lesson, please think about when you first met someone. Answer these questions carefully.

  1. Think about a time you met someone new and you liked them right away. What made you have a good feeling about them?





  2. Think about a time you met someone new and you did not have a good feeling about them. What made you feel that way?





  3. When you meet someone new, what are three things you hope they see or notice about you?


    1. 2.
      3.


  4. Why do you think first impressions are important when you go for a job interview or meet a new teacher?





  5. On a scale from 1 to 5 (1 = not confident, 5 = very confident), how confident do you feel about making a good first impression right now? Please explain why you chose that number.





lenny
lenny