You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression - teach your students how to do just that with this guide.
In this fast-paced world, we often make snap judgments based on just a few seconds of interaction with someone. We say not to judge a book by its cover, but unfortunately, this type of "first impression effect" can hinder the success of students, especially those dealing with developmental, learning, and emotional challenges.
As educators, it is essential that we help our students learn how to make a great first impression, and the First Impressions Course by Stanfield Company does just that. It focuses on the four building blocks of making a great first impression – cleanliness/hygiene, grooming, dress, and attitude.
What makes this program especially effective is its use of video modeling featuring the Stanfield Comedy Players. Rather than lecturing students about what to do, the program shows them – through humor – what happens when someone gets it wrong. Students watch relatable, laugh-out-loud scenarios that illustrate poor hygiene, bad grooming choices, inappropriate dress, and negative attitudes. This comedic approach reduces defensiveness and helps students feel less self-conscious when they recognize their own habits.
The program is designed for students ages 12 and up, including those with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavioral challenges, and other learning differences. Each of the four modules comes with a detailed teacher’s guide, structured activities, and reproducible worksheets that make implementation straightforward.
First impressions matter in job interviews, social settings, and everyday interactions. This program gives your students the concrete, actionable skills they need to put their best foot forward every time.
This curriculum is presented in a relaxed, child-friendly format that makes it accessible for even the youngest students.
The First Impressions course offered by Stanfield Company is a comprehensive series designed to teach students about the importance of first impressions and how to make a positive one.
The series features the wildly popular Stanfield Comedy Players, who use comedy to teach
wince-worthy lessons that help students learn by watching the laughable behaviors of others. This approach helps reduce the bite of the lessons and helps students feel less self-conscious when they realize they’ve done similar things.
The course covers a range of topics, including good dental care, hygiene, and creating a mistake-proof wardrobe. It is taught by professionals in their respective fields, including our dental consultant, Dr. Steven Subject, DDS, who motivates students to care for their teeth by emphasizing the relationship between good dental care and “kissable” breath.
You’ll even hear from our fashion consultant, Jennifer Chapman, who teaches students how to create a wardrobe that makes an excellent first impression while also discussing special dressing considerations.
Module 1: Hygiene
The Hygiene module in the First Impressions Course is designed to teach students with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and emotional challenges the basics of personal hygiene.
In this module, students will learn the essentials of both male and female hygiene, as well as the significance of cultural norms of cleanliness.
During the Hygiene module, students will learn:
The module covers everything students need to know to maintain good personal hygiene and to help make sure they leave a positive impression on others.
Module 2: Grooming
Grooming is more than just looking presentable. It’s about showing that you care about yourself and others. In Module 2 of the First Impressions Course, you will learn the specific “rules of the road” for interacting appropriately with others.
You will see illustrated examples of classic right and wrong ways to interact with others that are humorous yet informative. You will have access to step-by-step demonstrations that will show you how easy it is to get a “wash and wear” haircut, keep your hair looking good throughout the day, wash your face, cut your nails, apply make-up and sunscreen.
After completing this module, students will have a basic foundation in acceptable manners and grooming etiquette that they will use daily.
Module 3: Dress
Wearing well-fitted clothes is not only more comfortable, but it shows that you take pride in your appearance. A timeless, classic style is always a safe bet, and the module will teach students how to achieve this look.
But it’s not just about looking good. Clothes can affect how others perceive us, and that’s something that Module 3 emphasizes. Do you want to be seen as approachable, confident, or professional? It all starts with the right attire.
By the end of the module, students will understand that their clothing choices can have a significant impact on their interactions with others.
Module 4: Attitude
The Attitude module begins by addressing the negative impacts of bad manners and how good manners promote respect and acceptance. It then delves into the meaning and importance of attitude, outlining what it means to have a bad attitude versus a good one, and how this can impact social behavior.
Your students will learn about behaviors associated with a bad attitude, such as being disrespectful, irresponsible, conceited, negative, and disinterested.
On the flip side, they will also learn about behaviors associated with a good attitude, such as being respectful, responsible, humble, positive, and interested. The module also includes a chart to illustrate the behaviors that convey good and bad attitudes.
Students will feel empowered as they put these concepts into practice and start seeing positive results in their relationships.
The First Impressions Course includes detailed instruction on the four basic building blocks of making a great first impression: hygiene, grooming, dress, and attitude.
After all, a student’s first impression can impact their social and academic success. Educators owe it to their students to provide them with the tools they need to make an excellent first impression. The First Impressions Course by Stanfield Company uses an entertaining and humorous approach to teach good manners and social behavior. This approach is designed to engage your students and make the learning process more enjoyable.
By incorporating the course into your teaching, you can help your students improve their self-confidence and increase their chances of securing employment in the future.
By providing students with the First Impressions Course by Stanfield Company, educators can help their students improve their social and academic standing through strategic and practical training.
The skills taught in this program extend well beyond the classroom. Students who understand the impact of their appearance, hygiene, and attitude carry those habits into job interviews, community interactions, and independent living. Teachers report that the video modeling approach makes these lessons stick – students remember the Comedy Players’ scenarios and self-correct their own behavior long after the program is complete.
Available as part of Stanfield+ – $999/year for 60+ programs with a 30-day free trial.
The skills learned are designed to be lifelong assets, aiding students in feeling secure and connected throughout their educational journey and beyond.
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Male Hygiene, Part 1
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Male Hygiene, Part 2
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Female Hygiene, Part 1
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Female Hygiene, Part 2
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First Impressions is designed for students ages 16+, including those with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioral needs. The content uses video modeling with real-life scenarios that work across ability levels.
The program includes 13 lessons with approximately 4+ Hrs of video content. Each lesson includes streaming video content, a comprehensive digital teacher's guide with step-by-step instructions, printable student worksheets, discussion activities, and assessment tools. All materials are accessible from any browser.
Yes. First Impressions is included in Stanfield+ ($999/year for the full 60+ program library). Both plans include a 30-day free trial with no credit card required.
First Impressions aligns to CASEL Social-Emotional Learning standards, ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors, and IEP Goal Domains. Standards alignment documentation is available for every lesson to support compliance and IEP planning.
Yes. All Stanfield programs stream from any browser — smartboards, projectors, Chromebooks, tablets, or any internet-connected device. The entire library is also closed-captioned for accessibility.
First Impressions uses real-world video scenarios to teach practical skills students will need for independent living, employment, and community participation. Every lesson connects classroom learning to situations students will actually encounter.
