One of my favorite decorating blogs is called Nell Hill.  Nell Hill is a successful home decor store in Kansas.   She has superb taste and offers tips and suggestions as to how you can create a stunning home.  Today her blog post was all about first impressions.  She talked about how important it is to create a first impression when people walk through your door.  This had me thinking about the importance of first impressions with our own classrooms.

Step back and look at your classroom.  What do people see?  Is it clean?  Is it orderly?  Is it child friendly?  Does it look inviting?  I think it is important to understand that when children, parents, staff members, and even your principal walk through your classroom door, you are giving them an impression of YOU.  You are telling them how much you care about your job and the children that you teach.  I can remember going to my son’s Open House last year and as I sat there listening to the teacher, I couldn’t help but notice the two naked bulletin boards on the wall.  When I say naked, I mean nothing… no paper, no border, just cork.  There wasn’t anything on the walls.  It was a white, institutional, boring looking classroom.  My first impression?  I thought the teacher didn’t care.  I thought she really didn’t want to come back from summer vacation.  I thought she wasn’t going to put any extra effort into her job.  In reality, she was a good teacher.  She was sweet and kind and my son really liked her.  It took me an entire year to see that.  Think of that first impression I had of her?  It was pretty difficult for me to get past that and to see who she really was.

The impression your principal gets of your classroom is something you are evaluated on as well.  Is it organized?  Is it conducive to learning?  I don’t think classrooms necessarily need to be decorated to the hilt to get a good evaluation, but I truly believe your classroom  says something about you and who you are.  Don’t you want to make a good impression?  I can remember being on an interview committee several years ago and it came down to two wonderful teachers.  I can distinctly remember the principal choosing the candidate who brought pictures of her classroom (she previously taught in a different state) and commenting on how organized and appealing her classroom was.  Her organized and pretty classroom got her the job.

Take a stroll through your school. Look through the different classrooms. I bet you can tell a lot about your colleagues with a quick peek. Now, take a look at your own room. What would they say about you? Does your classroom reflect who you are and your beliefs about teaching and children? Remember, first impressions are powerful.