To Mat time or not to mat time?

A light hearted debate every ECE teacher knows well.

Ah, mat time. 🪑 That moment in the day when we gather our tamariki in a circle, cue up a song, maybe read a story, and attempt to channel calm, focus, and learning.

Sometimes it’s magical. ✨

Sometimes it’s chaos. 🙃

Sometimes you’re just silently praying that no one licks anyone else before the goodbye song.

The big question is: should we even be doing mat times at all?

It’s one of those hot-button topics in early childhood education, with passionate views on both sides.

Let’s break it down — pros, cons, and a few honest truths from the mat-time trenches.

When it works well, mat time can be a beautiful part of the day. Here’s why some teachers swear by it:

✨ Connection & Belonging

 Mat time can be a shared ritual that helps tamariki feel part of the group. Singing together, sharing stories, and greeting each other can build relationships and a sense of community.

🗣️ Language Development

 Songs, stories, and conversations during mat time can boost language skills and introduce new vocabulary in meaningful ways.

📚 Learning Opportunities

 It’s a great space for exploring concepts like counting, rhymes or for taking turns— all woven naturally into group interactions.

🧘 Transition Support

For some children (and adults!), mat time signals a transition, helping them shift from free play to the next part of the day with a little more calm and structure.

In short: done well, mat time can be purposeful, fun, and even magical. 🌈

Now, let’s be real — mat time can also go very wrong, very fast.

😵 One Size Does Not Fit All

Not all tamariki thrive sitting still in a group setting. Some simply aren’t ready developmentally, and forcing it can lead to stress, tears, and a whole lot of wriggling (and that’s just the teachers!).

⏳ Time vs. Value

 If half your mat time is spent saying, “Criss-cross, sit like a boss!” or redirecting behaviour, you have to ask — is the learning payoff worth it?

🔥 Power Struggles

 When mat time becomes about compliance rather than connection, it can quickly turn into a daily battle. And let’s be honest, no one wins those battles.

🚫 Interrupts Play

Children’s deep, meaningful play is where real learning magic happens. Mat time can interrupt that flow — especially when it’s scheduled at the wrong moment.

In short: sometimes, mat time serves adults’ need for order more than it serves children’s need for learning.

Here’s a thought: what if mat time didn’t have to be an all or nothing deal?

Final Thoughts

At its best, mat time can be a moment of connection, joy, and shared learning. At its worst, it’s a scene from Herding Cats: The Musical. 🎭🐱

The key?

Ask yourself why you’re doing mat time. If it genuinely supports children’s growth and wellbeing, great! If it’s more about tradition, routine, or “that’s how we’ve always done it,” maybe it’s time to rethink.

Because in ECE, one size never fits all — and sometimes, the best thing you can do is ditch the mat and follow the magic of play. 🌱

Over to you!

What’s your take on mat time? Love it, hate it, or somewhere in between? Let’s swap stories — the good, the bad, and the glitter-covered

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