By Friday afternoon, most classrooms are holding it together with coffee, countdowns, and sheer willpower. The week’s been a blur of lessons, admin, assemblies, playground drama, and at least one lost hat.
But here’s a low-effort, high-impact trick to wrap up your week with intention, connection, and good vibes:
The Friday Wins Hack.
It’s a quick, powerful ritual that can boost student morale, classroom culture, and even your own wellbeing, without adding more to your already overflowing plate.
What’s a “Friday Win”?
A Friday Win is anything that made the week better, big or small.
- “I got through my speech without freaking out.”
- “I helped someone who was lonely.”
- “I finished a tough maths test.”
- “I remembered all my lunchboxes this week!”
It could be academic, social, personal, funny, heartfelt, serious, or silly. The point is to celebrate progress and reflect on the good stuff, even during a wild week.
Why This Works (and Why You’ll Love It)
Promotes Positive Reflection
Students learn to pause and notice their own growth. It’s a feel-good exercise that subtly builds emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Strengthens Class Community
As students share their wins, they learn more about each other, and celebrate together. It’s one of the simplest ways to build empathy and connection.
Reinforces a Growth Mindset
Acing a test is a win, sure. But so is asking a question, trying again, or being brave. You’ll see students begin to value effort as much as results.
Creates Weekly Closure
It bookends the week with a moment of calm and pride, making the transition into the weekend feel a little more intentional.
Feels Good for You, Too
You need the reminder that good things happened too. And hearing kids say “My win was getting better at my reading because YOU helped me” is pure gold.
How to Run a “Friday Wins” Session
Time required: 10–15 minutes
Tech needed: None (but you can digitise it easily if you want)
Vibe: Relaxed, upbeat, no pressure
1. Set the Scene
- Pick a consistent time on Friday afternoons, before the end of day chaos begins.
- Set a positive tone with calm music or mood lighting.
- Give the activity a name the kids will love: Friday Wins, Victory Circle, Feel Good Friday, Celebrate & Reflect, etc. If you have a good name to use, share it in the comments!
2. Share Your Own Win First
Be real. Be human.
Even if your win is “I finally remembered to collect the laptops without chasing them down”, share it. It models honesty and gratitude.
3. Let the Kids Share
- Go around in a circle, popcorn-style, or pass a “Win Wand” or “Victory Microphone.”
- If someone doesn’t want to share, that’s fine! Let it stay pressure-free.
- Optional: let kids jot theirs down beforehand to boost confidence.
4. Celebrate the Wins
- Clap, cheer, snap, smile. Encourage genuine reactions.
- Make it clear that all wins count, no matter the size.
Fun Ways to Display or Save Friday Wins
The “Win Wall”
Let kids write their wins on sticky notes or printable speech bubbles and post them weekly. You’ll end the term with a beautiful visual of growth and joy.
Flip or Padlet Board
Students record quick 10 - 30 sec videos each week. Great for older kids, especially in digital classrooms.
Slide Deck Scrapbook
Use a Google Slide with a student’s name and a photo each week. Add their win below it. At the end of term, you’ve got a digital celebration book.
Teacher Tips to Make It Stick
- Keep it short and sweet, don’t let it overrun.
- Play music while students write or share.
- Introduce it with intention at the start of term.
- Use it to spot patterns, who’s always quiet? Who’s always kind?
- Reflect yourself. You’ll be surprised how therapeutic it is.
Finally...
The best classroom hacks aren’t about saving time, they’re about making time count.
And when your students walk out the door on a Friday feeling proud, connected, and seen? That’s a win in itself.
