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Outdoor Kids Mats – Big Play Mats For Big Adventures!
Outdoor Kids Mats – Big Play Mats For Big Adventures! Children’s play mats offer a safe but enjoyable zone for creative play, indoors or outdoors. The best mats will also be durable and long lasting, while enhancing the look of your home with on trend colours and textures. The other thing to look for? Space! Big ideas deserve a big play space, so choose an extra large mat that puts no limits on play time adventures. Shop our range of innovative kids mats here! Kids mats for the discerning consumer Choosing your perfect kids mats, particularly outdoor play mats, is not a decision to take lightly! Including a large play mat in your home or outdoor area will cause a shift in the way your children view play time. It’s amazing the impact the right environment can have on their creativity! Kids mats that enhance play time Play, as we know, is about much more than simple games. While playing, children discover the world around them. As they explore and manipulate toys, shapes and sounds, they actually enhance their cognitive development. Play based learning has a plethora of potential benefits for our children, including increased literacy, promoting social and emotional skills, and imaginative problem-solving. Play mats that can help to harness these aspects of child growth, allowing our children to explore their own independence and ‘tap into’ that creative spirit that we so desperately want them to develop. Guiding kids away from screens and down on the floor to invent, discover and negotiate seems old-fashioned to us sometimes, but it can have real benefits on behaviour, such as learning to take turns or empathise with other children. Ideally, you should look for a mat that is soft yet durable. A great kids mat is waterproof and easy to clean, and rolls up for storage when play time is over. A play mat should be of an appropriate size for BIG games, too, so that big ideas can be formed there. Kids mats from Recycled Mats Kids mats from Recycled Mats embrace diverse cultural identities in their unique designs, while offering a play space that makes any child feel a sense of belonging. Circular kids mats The Jurassic mat, Golden Wattle mat, Honey Ants mat, Ancestral Connectedness mat & Children's Garden mat are but a few of the large, durable kids mats that can help promote the positive aspects of play time in your home or garden. These mats are expansive and easy to clean, making them perfect for even the toughest play sessions. Square kids mats If you have a large space to cover, a square kids mat could be just what you’re looking for. The Gatherings mat, Yarning Circle mat and Journeys mat are reflective of cultural tradition and design and will perfectly complement your indoor or outdoor space. Kids mats in and around your home Don’t compromise on quality or design when it comes to selecting the ideal kids mats for your children. Add mats to bedrooms, playrooms or outdoor areas to protect surfaces, keep toys tidy and, most importantly, allow kids to be the cool, creative creatures they truly are! Check out our full range of kids' inspired play mats or our full range of wipe-clean recycled mats today
Learn moreIt’s Story Time – Library Floor Mats Help Readers Learn!
It’s Story Time – Library Floor Mats Bring Listening Ears! Story time is crucial for developing literacy skills in young children, and using specially designed floor mats can help engage young readers. Adding colourful, comfortable floor mats in library spaces, whether in a public library or in a school setting, helps children read the room cues. The mat becomes a designated space they come to associate with activities like story time. This helps the child when it comes to paying attention and engaging in the session, and helps the librarian to take charge of the situation. Read on to find out more about how using floor mats and creating special story time spaces can actively encourage engagement with stories. What are the benefits of floor mats during story time? Engaging dozens of small children and keeping their minds focused on reading can be incredibly difficult. Children are naturally prone to fidgeting, asking questions, inventing their own games, and seeking their own pleasures, especially when you as an educator are trying to conduct a story time session. While it is important to understand that all children engage in activities differently, it’s also important to take charge of the session and remind the children that they’re there to participate and engage with the stories you’re reading. Creating a special space using floor mats is a subtle but effective way of doing this, and there are a number of benefits. Allowing the space to foster engagement with storytelling The use of special floor mats helps to create a story time space that subtly tells children that this is where they will put on their ‘listening hats’ and pay attention. Puzzles, toys, and other books are put away while the librarian reads and sings, and the conversation revolves around the stories and the children’s responses. Engaging parents and caregivers Using floor mats creates a special place that invites parents and caregivers to actively participate in story time with their child, too. Sitting together, side by side or on laps, adds a physical closeness to the reading experience, helping engagement with the story. This is incredibly effective when fostering early literacy skills and demonstrating to the child that reading and singing are activities that are enjoyed by everyone. Encouraging conversation Many of the floor mats available at Recycled Mats feature Indigenous designs, which can encourage conversations about Indigenous culture, or can be used to plan themed story time sessions. There are also geometric patterns, alphabet & number designs & a memory symbol game by Australian Aboriginal artist De Greer Yindimincarlie from the Wiradjuri Nation of Central NSW. All these encourage young minds to learn about a range of different concepts. Safety and comfort Paying attention while being uncomfortable is pretty much impossible. Our specially designed floor mats, mean children can sit comfortably, making focusing on a story a little easier. Wipe clean mats mean the floor space is hygienic, too, and staying at ground level is safe for everyone from crawlers to cross-legged school kids. What else do we have with children in mind? We've covered all bases for our little people! If you're after something with a more cosy feel for indoors, did you know we have a beautiful range of colourful indoor Chindi Rugs to help create a vibrant, inspiring feel for story-time in any room. And whilst we've got you, have you thought about engaging your little one/s one step further and taking up Yoga together? We have a cute range of children's eco friendly yoga mats, specially designed with children in mind! Yoga is being practiced more and more in educational settings, and what a great addition our gorgeous yoga mats are to any space! Browse Recycled Mats’ fabulous selection of beautiful children’s floor mats and create your unique library story time space today!
Learn moreWhy is Choosing Caravan Annex Mats SO HARD?
Choosing the right caravan annex mat really is key to getting the most out of your outdoor adventuring. Not only will it substantially extend your living space once parked up, it'll set the stage for entertaining, dining, story-telling, play time and just general horizon gazing. Some of the most memorable times when camping and caravanning are spent on the annex mat, relaxing after a full day of hiking or fishing, exchanging tales, chatting and laughing, enjoying meals, making new friends. And your annex matting doesn’t have to be drab in order to be durable. You might elect to use mats that are brightly coloured with bold graphics or opt for something that is subtle in design (think geometrics) and soft on the eye in terms of colour. Visually pleasing, yet tough, an annex mat that can bring a sense of fun and peace to your outdoor experience and extend the good vibes from the inside out - or the outside in! - is the ultimate travel companion. It also goes without saying that the annex matting you choose needs to not only be functional and sturdy, you'll also want it to complement your set-up and be a reflection of your personality. Thankfully, here at Recycled Mats we have arguably Australia's biggest and most diverse collection to choose from, ranging from 1.8m square picnic mats right up to a whopping 2.4 x 7m! But choosing the right annex mat doesn’t need to be difficult … you just need to keep a few basics in mind. The main thing to consider when selecting annex matting is SIZE. Your awning fabric length will inform your decision when it comes to this but you should also think about how the annex space will be used and by how many people. Most folks opt for an annex mat that fits under the shade and protection of their awning and whilst it might seem like a good idea to have your mat extend beyond the size of the annex, keep in mind that we don’t recommend that you expose your mat (or part of it) to continual, direct sunlight. If you do want additional “floor” space on social occasions that extend beyond the annex, you might consider adding an additional smaller mat for this purpose – one that can be easily brought back indoors without having to disturb the larger annex mat. (pictured: Ningaloo mat 1.8 x 2.7m and Diamond 2.4 x 6m) Your annex mat size will fall into one of the following categories: Small 2.4x4m (weight ± 4.6kg) Medium 2.4x5m (weight ± 6.1kg) Large 2.4x6m (weight ± 7.0kg) X-large 2.4x7m (weight ± 7.9kg), coming in mid 2022! Please note that all annex mats in 4, 5, 6 & 7m include a heavy-duty carry bag AND are equipped with eyelets for tie-down purposes. So, let’s start with the largest first. 23+ ft plus Caravans would best suit our X-large mat: - 2.4 x 7m (weight ± 7.9kg), though a 6m could also be used. This bad boy is a new addition to our range, due in stock mid 2022! You can check it out here 21-23 ft plus Caravans would need our large mat: - 2.4 x 6m (weight ± 7.0kg), although a 5m would be fine too. Click here to see our range of 6m annex mats (pictured: Wilderness 2.4 x 6m) 18-20 ft Caravans would suit: - 2.4 x 5m (weight ± 6.1kg) however, you could also use a 4m or 6m mat. Click here to see our range of 5m caravan annex mats 15-18 ft Caravans are best suited to: - 2.4 x 4m (weight ± 4.6kg) You can see our full range of 4m caravan annex mats here (pictured: Camp Oz 2.4 x 4m, under awning Diamond 2.4 x 6m) 11-14 ft Caravans would best suit: - 3 x 3m (weight ± 4.1kg) - 2.7 x 2.7m (weight ± 3.4kg) - 1.8 x 2.7m (weight ± 2.2kg) Click here to see this range of Recycled Outdoor Mats Teardrop Camper Trailers are all about size as they are compact and space saving and suit our: - 1.8 x 2.7m (weight ± 2.2kg) Please see our 1.8 x 2.7m mat range here (pictured: Tracks 1.8 x 2.7m) Roof Top Tents/Camper Trailers for 4x4s are designed for ease and comfort. These are also probably best suited to: - 1.8 x 2.7m (weight ± 2.2kg) Other options for people requiring a smaller amount of cover which are easy to use as a picnic or play mat are: - 1.8 x 1.8m (weight ± 1.7kg) Click here for our 1.8 x 1.8m range. Disclaimer: All annexes are slightly different from one another. This is purely a guide for you to use as a gauge. Some people also prefer a slightly longer or wider annex mat than others. It’s important to choose the mat that’s right for you and your family. And please keep in mind that we don't just offer annex matting! Our range of Turf and Muk Mats perfectly complements the outdoor plastic mats and are specifically designed to keep dirt and mud where they belong....outside your caravan, tent, annex or trailer! The artificial grass that comprises the mats is ideal for removing sand, grass and general muck from bare feet and shoes and can be cleaned with a simple shake or hose off. Easily positioned where foot traffic enters your space, they're a cinch to roll up for storage and transport. We also offer a large range of other camping accessories including firepits, picnic tables, non-toxic insect repellents, Shooaways, sand-free beach mats and towels, and travel games. Your one-stop shop for all your outdoor adventure needs! Our annex floor matting is purposefully designed with your camping requirements in mind. The mats are tough but feature both comfort and style that is sure to enhance any camping or caravanning experience. They’re also easy to maintain and keep clean as well as be comfortably and quickly stored when it’s time to leave ... or you get back to reality! Camping and caravanning are a journey that you take - alone or with loved ones - to get away from it all and relax in amongst the tranquility of the Australian bush or coastal regions. Choosing the perfect annex mat has the power to enrich your experience and transform it into one that is unforgettable and truly special.
Learn moreCelebrating Matariki Maori New Year
Matariki - The Maori New Year For the Māori in New Zealand, Matariki is a time of new beginnings. At the tail end of May / early June each year, a cluster of tiny stars, known as Pleiades to astronomers, rises on the northeast horizon. The Māori call this constellation Matariki, this is a signal of an ending and a beginning. The meaning of Matariki The word Matariki is commonly translated into English as “mata riki’ or ‘tiny eyes’ and “mata ariki” or ‘eyes of God’. For the Māori, Matariki signals the start of a new life cycle and hence is celebrated as a traditional new year. The new moon that appears after the Matariki marks the beginning of the celebrations. Pacific names for the Matariki Matariki - Māori, Mangaian (Cook Islands) Mangarevan (Gambier Is – French Polynesia) Matali’I - Samoan Makali’I - Hawaiian Mataliki - Tongan Mataiki - Marquesan The Māori and Matariki New Zealand’s indigenous people prepare for the year ahead and celebrate the future during Matariki. Upon sighting the constellation, the Māori would begin preparing sufficient preserved food stocks to last them through to the next harvest. They also believed that the visibility of the stars determined the growth of crops for the coming year. According to this belief, if the stars shone very brightly, the season would be warmer and therefore the crops would be plenty. Family gathering and feasting marks the Māori celebration of Matariki. Once the celebrations were over, they would turn their attention to other tasks that bound the community closer together such as learning and knowledge sharing. We love to celebrate Matariki with friends and family, gathering on our Maori design mats to feast on a hangi that we've prepared together as a community. (Check out all our Kiwi Maori designs here.) Matariki traditions During Matariki, the Māori shared their plenty with others. They showered guests and visitors with gifts and prepared huge banquets known as hākari. Records and stories indicate that the people waited up several nights to see the stars as they rose. Once the constellation was sighted, they would build a small hāngī - earth oven to cook food with steam and heat from heated stones. Then, as part of their customs, they would weep and tell Matariki the names of those who had died since the stars last set. The people then uncovered the oven so that the aroma of the food could rise to the heavens and strengthen the stars. Another custom known as mihi maumahara is also observed. The people pay tribute to the ancestors who have passed into heaven through the Matariki to join the other ancestors who have become stars in the sky—Kua wheturangitia ratou ki tua ki te Aara I Tiatia. Image credit Present day celebrations The Matariki tradition is very much alive and observed in modern day Aotearoa (New Zealand). Lively festivals, cultural performances and concerts and other entertainment mark Matariki celebrations across the country. Toi Māori (Māori Art) is also showcased along with Māori song and dance. Modern Māori celebrate this day with education, remembrance, and the planting of new trees. Art exhibitions, art and craft workshops, the sharing of myths and legends, Astronomy workshops, hangi and feasts, dawn ceremonies, family days, Whakapapa (Genealogy) workshops and cooking demonstrations are some ways to celebrate Matariki. Matariki in the classroom Matariki is a great time to introduce children to the Māori people. Here are some tips on how to do it: 1. Discuss the concept of New Year across various cultures and countries: New Year is celebrated across the world at different times and for different reasons. Discussing this topic in class is a fun way to get children to understand the diversity in the world. 2. Organize a trip to the local planetarium: Get your students together and take them to the planetarium to star gaze. Explain the traditions of Matakiri while getting them to draw and label the constellation in their notebooks. 3. Choose a craft theme: During craft period, focus on the arts and crafts of the Māori . 4. Plan a storytelling session: Invite Maori elders and plan a storytelling session. Later, ask students to discuss what they understood from the stories. 5. Plant a tree: Plant a tree in the neighborhood or in the schoolyard. 6. Draw parallels: The Japanese call the Pleiades (Seven Sisters) 'Subaru'. There is a distinctive myth behind this. Read out these myths in calls and discuss how the same constellation has different meaning across cultures. 7. Visually represent Matariki: Draw, or paint the constellation. Do a slide show in class or maybe create a small skit around it. Remember, Tēnā ngā kanohi kua tikona e Matariki - Matariki will keep you awake. Article written by Annie Beasant for Recycled Mats.
Learn moreEOFY Spending Educational Institution Budgets On Our Mats
The End of Financial Year (EOFY) has a way of creeping up and catching us unprepared. But there is no need to wait until June to organise your spending budgets. To help schools and childcare centres prepare their spending budgets, we offer great products to further educational resources and get classrooms ready for the next year. It is perfect for organising students into a seated circle for story time, games and group time. Every childcare and school space needs to have the right educational supplies to support children and families of all cultural backgrounds. Our range of high quality Indigenous mats, indoor rugs, educational products and puzzle mats made from recycled materials are incredible teaching tools that encourage cultural inclusivity and assist in early learning. Cultivating a culture of respect, caring and inclusion of difference amongst the whole school community is very important for supporting positive mental health and reducing school-based risk factors for children from Cultural and Language Diverse backgrounds. Our large range of Indigenous designs and recycled products help to meet key learning criteria within your curriculum, whilst being easy to care for and conducive to an inclusive and culturally appropriate environment. Spending your EOFY budget has never been easier, Use your EOFY Spending Budgets on educational supplies that promote cultural diversity within your classrooms with our Cultural range, educational Games and Puzzle Mats. Can't decide what to buy now? Get Gift Vouchers that you can spend at your leisure, extending your deadline to spend your budget. With such a large range and so many culturally inclusive products available, the world is your oyster! Do you want to inspire a passion for learning about recycling? If you're a teacher, homeschooler or early childhood educator, and are looking for fun ways to teach your child/ren more about about the circular economy, we have put together some great ideas on how-to! Check out our fun blog post here.
Learn moreWaitangi Day in the Classroom
Why We Celebrate Waitangi Day Image credit: Tony @ Flickr Kia Ora, it's Waitangi Day! In February, New Zealand people commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, between Mâori chiefs and British representatives of the Crown. The treaty was signed on 6 February 1840, at James Busby's house (now known as Treaty House) at Waitangi township in the Bay of Islands. Since 1974, the day has been officially celebrated as a public holiday. For everyone celebrating Waitangi Day with a hangi or picnic outdoors, or some chocolate fish, here's a look into why this day is an important part of a New Zealander's life! A look into the past The Waitangi Treaty was instrumental in granting the United Kingdom sovereignty over New Zealand and establishing a British governorship in the country. It also granted the Māori ownership of their lands and other properties and gave them the same rights as all British subjects. Around 500 chiefs, including 13 or more women, signed the Treaty of Waitangi. Māori Chief Hone Heke was the first to sign the treaty and as they were signing they said "He iwi tahi tatou", which when translated into English means "We are now one people". Eight further copies were made of the treaty and sent around the country to other chiefs to gather additional signatures. The Controversies The Waitangi Treaty is not without its controversies. An ongoing debate surrounding the treaty is that the English and the Māori versions differed. The most critical point of contention is whether the 19th century Māori truly understood the meaning of governorship (ceding sovereignty to the Crown). Complicating matters was the fact that Māori society placed an emphasis on oral tradition rather than a written one, so they would have placed more reliance on what was told them rather than the text of the actual Treaty. These debates have often influenced the style and mood of the celebrations over the last 25-30 years in modern-day New Zealand. How is it celebrated? Waitangi celebrations begin the previous day at the Ngapuhi Te Tii marae. Various speeches on current issues and debates are a part and parcel of this event. On Waitangi Day, the Royal New Zealand Navy raises the national flag, the Union Jack, and St.George's Ensign on the flagstaff on the treaty grounds. Cultural song and dance displays and a reenactment of the signing of the treaty are a part of this traditional ceremony. In the city of Rotorua, for example, the day is celebrated at Whakarewarewa - a living Māori village - with an event known as 'Whakanuia'. Various organizations also showcase Māori culture, their past, present, and future. Major sporting events, rodeos, public concerts, and festivals are held across the country. In an interesting twist, Wellington celebrates Bob Marley's birthday as well as Waitangi Day by hosting "One Love" – a music festival that celebrates peace and unity. Waitangi celebrations in the classroom Organize a field trip – A few days before Waitangi Day organize a trip to a local museum that highlights Māori culture. Alternately look in the local newspaper for any official events that may be happening including drumming, kapa haka, and hangi. Then get the students to create a project using what they have seen and observed. Decorate the classroom – Create a Kiwi theme in the classroom. Hang flags and wear colors that reflect New Zealand. Promote positive attitudes – Initiate a discussion in the classroom to gauge the students' understanding of Māori culture. Bring in suitable resources and accurate up-to-date information – slides, videos, songs, books – to reinforce positive attitudes towards the Māori. Plan a play or a reenactment – A few days before Waitangi Day, consider preparing a play or a re-enactment of the signing of the Treaty. For younger students, consider short scenes rather than lengthy plays. Cultural show – Divide your classroom into groups and encourage them to put up a cultural show. Point them towards Māori songs and dances they can learn, even rituals and traditions among the indigenous community. If you love New Zealand as much as we do and want to celebrate that love with a Maori-design recycled plastic picnic mat, check out our range here. Article written for Recycled Mats by Annie Besant
Learn moreFabulous Fathers Day Gift Ideas for the Man who has Everything!
If you have run out of ideas about gifts for men, and are looking for some new and inspired Father's Day Gift Ideas, we have just the thing. (Or things.) At Recycled Mats, we strongly believe in buying 'experiences' over 'unnecessary things', and try to make sure that whatever we do purchase will encourage active participation in life, as well as movement! Father's Day Gift Ideas in 2019? Less Stuff. More Experiences! Less socks, underwear, and aftershave, but MORE sports equipment, books to read, tickets, and memberships. Aren't these great Father's Day Gift ideas already? For those of us mums who want to join in the fun with the daddies/father's, the perfect gift is something the whole family can use on a picnic, boat outing, hike, or day trip. If it's made from sustainable materials, and can be used over and over again, it's a double bonus. Introducing Nu, O's Dad (and JJ's husband!) JJ and her husband Nu discovered the perfect Father's Day Gift after their son was born. Keen adventurers, and explorers, their new addition to the family meant they had to think a little differently and change things up a bit when heading out and about. One thing they came to rely upon was an easy-to-clean washable picnic rug/mat. This recycled mat was the perfect picnic rug, as well as a insect-free space for little O. to crawl about without getting too dirty. They've used these recycled mats as floor coverings beside sandy riverbeds, as overhead shelter and shade on very hot days, and to cushion the inside of their pop-up tent. Good Gifts for Dad by Nu! O. is now five, so we thought we'd ask Nu for an update about his ideas for good gifts for Dad. Nu, can you tell us your three favourite gift ideas for men in time for Father's Day 2019? Fathers Day 2019 - Gift Idea Number 1 In our family, we love nothing more than taking the boat out for the day, and catching a fish or two. We search for our own bit of paradise and pull up the boat for a packed picnic lunch complete with an assortment of seafood, gourmet cheese and wine of course. If we are super lucky, O. will still lie down for an afternoon kip after a big morning of water play, and we'll join him! That's why we never leave home without one of our recycled plastic picnic mats. There are so many designs, shapes and styles to choose from, and they are the perfect soft surface to rest upon. I love that you can shake or wash the sand free before we get back in boat - one less job for me! The mats are easy to fold up too, and we often sit or lean on them for a bit of cushioning when the water is choppier than usual. Fathers Day 2019 - Gift Idea Number 2 We've learned over the last few years since becoming parents that it's wise to have a little raised table at our picnics. This prevents little busy feet from accidentally dropping or kicking sand onto the food platter when we call lunchtime! If the picnic table can hold our wine glasses and keep them out of harm's way, it's even better. Whilst Recycled Mats no longer stock the design above, our popular Aussie made 'Pine' picnic table can also hold four glasses and a bottle of wine or champagne. It's big enough to invite your friends along to join in the fun too! Fathers Day 2019 - Gift Idea Number 3 Top of the list of my favourite Father's Day gift ideas would one of the super comfortable beanbags or giant cushions. They're big enough for an adult on their own, but we put three or four together to make a day bed mattress to watch the sun set. The Aboriginal designs on many of the beanbags is is an added bonus. More Fathers Day Gift Ideas 2019 Thank you Nu! We are sure there are other dads out there who will be taking your cue and heading out for a day of boating, fishing, and eating. So there you have it, a whole bunch of Father's Day Gift Ideas you can find at Recycled Mats. Check the website for 10's of other fun ideas too!
Learn moreMarket Stall Ideas
Give your Market Stall a Lift with the Perfect Outdoor Mat Style, presentation and a stall’s vibe is the first thing a customer notices when walking by. Capturing customers attention with product display is what initially entices them to enter your Market Stall. Define your space and create a complete look with one of our vibrant and attractive recycled plastic mats Catering for differently sized stalls, our range of outdoor mats feature stunning authentic Indigenous or contemporary designs in varying sizes that fit into most Gazebos. Made with our innovative recycled plastic, our outdoor mats are sustainable, durable and incredibly comfortable and soft to walk on. Customised Mats for Your Unique Stall Needs Attending to the needs of market stall holders, the Moroccan Mat in 3 x 3m is the perfect neutral basse to showcase your goods. The 3x3m sqaure mat is designed for a perfect fit for a standard Gazebo Market Stall. This square mat, made from recycled polypropylene is perfect for picnics and gatherings with friends and family, our mats are made from recycled plastic so they are good for the planet too. They are so easy to care for – simply fold them up to store, wipe them down to clean, or hose them off when needed. Keep one in the car boot for those spontaneous outdoor moments. Take it along to the park, beach and playground for picnics or use it to add style and flair to any indoor or outside space. Also ideal for your caravan, camping or market stall set-up. With contemporary style and colours, this new addition adds life and verve to your stall. Moroccan is available in three colourways, which suits a wide variety of brands. We see this design matching perfectly with clothing, jewellery, cosmetic, accessory or produce stalls. You can also view our other 3 x 3m designs here. Optional eyelets Additionally, we can add Optional Eyelets to any mat of your choice to better secure your market stall setup. Regardless of your brand or market stall size, we would love to help find the perfect outdoor mat that will lift and enhance your brand. Talk to us today through our online chat, email or phone to learn more about our mats for Market Stalls.
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