Based on Peter Gray’s points about play, such as being led by a person’s interest, creative, and done without forced goals, I have started spotting playful moments in what I do daily. Any time I experiment with cooking, figure out expenses for shopping, or look through my smartphone, I now enjoy it and use curiosity, practice, and problem-solving to work things out.

This topic has made me realize that the language of maths, science, and technology appears regularly in everyday living. They are important for the way I approach everyday situations, not only for use in a classroom. For example, I have started to look for changes in nature when I am gardening. I always think about how technology affects the ways we do things. Over time, I’ve noticed that play expresses and teaches us at the same time (Aitken, et al., 2025).

This journal will allow me to reflect on my life using what I have learned through playing (Ungunmerr, 1988). I am interested in seeing how my experiences with maths, science, and technology affect how I learn, who I am, and the way I relate to things in my life. Through this process, I am gaining more respect for my area and a stronger connection to the things I study.

Dr. Chris Matthews points out that mathematics should be linked to culture and everyday living and should be considered a way to understand our world. Now, I consider these basic chores as ways to practice using mathematics (Mathematics Hub, 2025). They point out that play can occur internally, in a quieter way, and may not involve any physical actions. Taking part in maths this way has helped me focus and take control of what happens in my day. My view of maths has progressed from thinking it is abstract to realising it is useful and important in many situations I deal with (Onoshakpokaiye, 2023).

In EYLF, scientific thinking in play is observed by observing, forming ideas, and reaching conclusions. My gardening and cooking approaches use the main scientific methods I have learned. When I work with nature and heat, I learn by doing, thinking, and understanding how it impacts everything around me. As a result of these experiences, I realize that science appears in activities such as cooking and gardening, not just in books and laboratory settings.

It explains in the EYLF that technology in play includes using gadgets to find out new things, connect with others, and solve challenges (Australian Government Department of Education, 2022). A closer look at activities involving machines reveals technology is woven into every part of our lives. Things that seemed repetitive to me in the past have now become full opportunities for mindfulness. They let me notice how technology affects my routines as well as my thoughts and connections with others.

Now I know that my life improves due to systems that have taken people from their homes. Stolen Land paints Australian history differently, showing it was filled with disruptions in relationships, communication, and lives caused by deliberate actions. It is now impossible to just leave this awareness in the background of my life as usual. It requires us to pause, and action is what counts most.

Though I am not Indigenous, I accept and understand that I am a settler. It does not make me responsible for what happened in the past, but it does make me active in the present. I am now studying the Traditional Owners of the place I am living. Nowadays, I have begun stating Acknowledgement of Country in my writing and taking part in events that feature important Indigenous voices. Though they appear small, these steps are intentional. I no longer wish to do anything about unjust issues.

The place contains historical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions as well as a physical one. My respect requires me to hear, understand, and unite with others. You occupy a space that does not belong to you. What measures can you take to deal with it? That question no longer seems like it has one obvious answer to me. It affects people personally and right away (Hamm & Boucher, 2017).