Mat times in ECE: Love them or leave them?

Send us Fan MailThis podcast session brought to you by NTZC in partnership with ECE Learning Unlimited, supporting Associate Teachers in your important work with student teachers.In this episode, we sit down with the always-inspiring Kimberley Crisp for a hearty and thought-provoking conversation about one of early childhood education’s most debated practices: mat time.Should we have them, or should we let them go? Together, we explore why mat times have become such a staple in many ECE settings, what they offer to children and teachers, and when they might actually do more harm than good.Kimberley shares her wisdom, experience, and some refreshing perspectives on how we can create meaningful group moments that truly serve the needs of tamariki, rather than just following tradition.Whether you’re firmly for, firmly against, or somewhere in between, this episode will leave you reflecting on your practice — and maybe even reimagining what “mat time” could look like in your centre.