Home Educating Family Blog Diary - July 2025

July is over and WOW was it a busy month for us! As we’ve had to stay at home for all of May and June due to other commitment’s, I made the most of July by visiting many, many places. Fortunately, the beginning of August is quite quiet, so the kids get a break!

We have visited London, the Scottish Borders, Lisbon and the Isle of Gigha this month. Plus a few other fun days out, including friends birthday parties and an evening watching Joseph and The Technicolour Dreamcoat musical (littlest’s birthday present). With all that travelling and exploring it does mean the kids learnt a lot. Not so much the writing and maths side, but certainly a lot of history, science, art and geography.

Table of Contents

History

There’s not been so much Scottish history learnt this month. However, we did learn a lot about Lisbon and its history when we visited for a week. The main historical event was the 1755 earthquake and resulting tsunami. This destroyed much of central Lisbon as we discovered at both the Lisboa Story Centre and Lisbon Quake museum. As many major landmarks were also destroyed, many of the city’s big attractions, such as Saint George’s Castle were actually rebuilt at a later date.

We also learned about how the castle used a variety of defences to keep out attackers. From narrow corners to small spaces to trap people. The guide was great at explaining these as we wandered around.

Also in Lisbon we visited the monument of discoveries with many famous historic Portuguese people carved into the stone. And of course travelled around by trams. The tram museum had a lot of historical content about how trams began in Lisbon, and the kids loved seeing all the old trams lined up.

Geography

With visits to London, Scottish Borders, Lisbon and the Isle of Gigha this month, the kids have learnt where they are on the map. We took the train down to London and as usual the kids enjoyed looking at Google Maps whilst we travelled down. We made a point to watch the Mallard speed sign as we zoomed past.

At the aquarium in Lisbon we also saw fish from various different geographical locations. From tropical clownfish to mangrove dwelling fish. We also had great fun looking at all the different geographical areas at Legoland Miniland. From London to quaint European towns and even Kennedy Space Centre.

Science

Science has covered a variety of different topics. These have included spotting dragonflies on walks, mostly golden ringed dragonflies and blue damselflies. Plus watching and listening to soprano pipistrelle bats using my bat detector at Schloss Roxburghe. The kids also met many different farm animals at the local agricultural show.

In Lisbon we visited the science centre, where the kids learnt about lots of topics. This also included a special Pixar exhibition, learning about movie magic. It was very educational and fun too!

The aquarium was fantastic to see all the different fish and watch how they move in schools or alone. Perfect for budding marine scientists.

Maths

The kids haven’t done any formal maths learning this month. We have been using the Beast Academy online programme, but having a break from it over the summer. However, they do still use maths in everyday situations, from cooking to telling the time for when to come back in from friend’s houses.

We’ve also played numerous board games that include mathematical calculations. From monopoly to Rummikub and chess.

Language

The children have continued with learning foreign languages, German for littlest and Spanish for the eldest. They use Duolingo to learn and we now pay for the family plan so they can make numerous mistakes (you’re normally limited to 3 mistakes with the free plan).

The kids practice writing weekly during term time, although less so in the summer holidays. Both have written a little when making silly pictures or writing on their noticeboards.

I can’t get my eldest away from books, he always has several on the go! We also read stories to them in the evening for quiet time (a tradition of ours that hasn’t changed since they were babies!). The youngest prefers to listen to audio books whilst in his room, mostly listening to Harry Potter at the moment. He’s also been reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid to me, although not as frequently now it’s the holidays. Fortunately he is reading little bits during everyday life. This includes reading and writing texts to his friends when he’s been arranging play dates on the family phone.

Clubs and Groups

As it’s now the summer holidays the kids usual clubs and groups are shut. Even home ed groups tend to only be term time only. Too many people are away over the holidays!

The youngest has attended his gymnastic club summer sessions for two full days. Which he loved and we’ve met up with our usual home ed friends a couple of times too.

Both kids are used to playing with each other when we’re away. So they’re quite happy when we’re travelling.

Socialisation

Although the usual clubs and groups have not been on, the kids have still had plenty of time with friends and family. Socialisation is a silly one to include here really, it’s not like we keep them indoors all day!

Both children have been playing with friends, whether they are home educated friends or schooled friends. We’ve visited many other places and talked to other people in shops, staff at hotels and more. The youngest went to kids club for an afternoon in Lisbon and played with one of the kids there.

Art and Music

The youngest went to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat musical in Glasgow. Which was fantastic! This was his birthday present and we’ve had the soundtrack on ever since!

Both kids went to a ceilidh whilst on Gigha, the littlest was especially interested in doing ALL the dances. Although the eldest joined in a good few too. The music was great of course!

In Lisbon we saw many incredible art works made from rubbish, plus some other cool sculptures too.

Physical Education

As always happens when we’re travelling, we walk a LOT. There has been so much walking this month! Whether it’s walks along lochs and rivers in Scotland or walking miles around Lisbon or Legoland in London!

The children have also had fun kayaking whilst on the Isle of Gigha. We managed 3 days out 5 in the kayaks. It’s always weather dependant, can’t go out when the seas are too rough! This included camping on a little tidal island that we arrived at in our kayaks, laden with camping gear. The kids also had fun jumping in the water or playing on the backs of kayaks as they ferried each other around.

Another activity was archery whilst staying at Schloss Roxburghe. Plus swimming at Roxburghe and in Lisbon. Both have been out near the house on bikes, scooters and skateboards too.