1-188 Webinar

Does Mat Time Matter?

Join Kimberley Crisp to discuss rethinking group learning and story times.
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Watch on-demand,
when you can from any device. 

Love it or loathe it?

For many early childhood centres, mat time has long been a staple of the daily routine.

But does it truly meet the needs of today’s tamariki — or is it time to rethink how we bring children together for learning and connection?

Presented By

Kimberley Crisp

Webinar Duration

Approximately 45 minutes

Skill Level

Suitable for beginner to experienced teachers

What will you learn?

In this engaging and thought-provoking webinar, Kimberley Crisp invites you to challenge assumptions about traditional mat times and group learning. Together, we’ll explore:

  • Why some children thrive at mat time — and why others resist it.
  • The difference between compliance and genuine engagement.
  • Practical strategies for creating meaningful group experiences that capture children’s attention and curiosity.
  • How to honour children’s individual rhythms while fostering a strong sense of community.

Whether you love mat time, loathe it, or sit somewhere in between, this session will give you fresh ideas and inspiration to make group times more intentional, inclusive, and joyful.

Come ready to reflect, rethink, and discover new ways to bring learning and storytelling to life in your centre.
Certificate of completion provided for your professional learning records
WHile you wait...

Mat times in ECE: Love them or leave them?

In this podcast, Angela Bush joins Kimberley Crisp to discuss rethinking group learning and story times.
About the presenter

Kimberley Crisp

Kimberley is a flower picking … candle burning … potion creating … animal loving bohemian at heart She and her partner and their 2 rescue fur babies Lincoln and Basil live a life by design creating adventures between their house bus Billie and their Tiny Home ‘ Tiny on Te Awa’ .

Her early childhood years was where she developed a wild love affair with nature. A passionate Nana who took her on beach picnics and where outside in the garden is where they literally lived their days together. Flowers and animals partnered with special Rituals create the ‘ anniversaries of the heart ‘ she so fondly shares today.

“May the beauty of what you love be what you do “ Rumi
A mantra Kimberley uses to guide all her work .
Kimberley has a Bachelors in Education ( ECE) and cofounder and creator of The Nest Private Kindergaten.
It was the the ‘ birth ‘ of this model that fast became the ‘ teaching ground ‘for not only her but hundreds of other professionals that would visit and see feel and hear a different’ way of being ‘ .
Kimberley’s creativity didn’t stop at The Nest she always wanted to establish a model outside the system with NO strings so ‘The Haven’ was birthed into being and this was a Home Schooling hub where children between 5-13 years of age cross pollinate OUTSIDE.

This was by far the most SIMPLE….
It was outside the system : OUTSIDE.
Kimberley has been to The Pikler Institute in Hungary multiple times to study and visited The Forest Kindergarten in Germany.
After 30 years of working with and alongside children and delivering Professional Development every weekend and in evenings Kimberley is now devoted to supporting individual teachers and teams sharing ALL her tried and true experience and supporting people to shine and be the authentic souls they are born to be. Kimberley believes the best teacher is the one that sees the light in those they are teaching.

What others said about this webinar:

Kimberly has inspired me to bring magic back to mat times, to strengthen and implement rituals to support tamariki in transitions times.
— LIZ
I loved the reinforcement of the importance of child engagement. A child who can contribute to 'mat time' will stay engaged. The enthusiasm of the teacher goes a long way!!
I liked how Kimberley's Korero was neither for or against, empowering us to find what works for us while adding some great points for reflection.
— TRACEY
Firstly love Kimberly and found the korero great. Love that my thoughts were validated i too believe that mat times should be magical and create memories for tamariki.
— SHARLENE

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