13: A Decade of HomeSchooling with Holly Coolman

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Welcome!  My guest today is Holly Coolman, who is a wife, mother, theologian, and recent convert to the Catholic faith.  She is beginning to write a book focusing on the reasons behind the Feast Days.  Holly has been homeschooling since 2005 when her children were 7, 5, and 3.

Holly shares the following about her experience as a Catholic Homeschool Mom:

• It was a big family move to Boston that prompted the family to homeschool.
• When they looked at schooling options and considered homeschooling, they intended to try it for a year.
• The first year went better and easier than expected, so they continued for the next four years.
• Holly and her husband joined the Anglican church soon after their marriage but noticed that many of the practices and traditions were rooted in Catholicism.
• They made the gradual move in 2008 to convert to the Catholic faith.
• Holly makes an intentional effort to focus on the liturgical year and Feast Days.
• In their daily life, they incorporate the Catholic faith with prayers and Bible reading during their “Morning Meeting,” and read excerpts from a book together and focus on Feast Days at the dinner table.
• This year, Holly is homeschooling her youngest, while the older two attend Catholic high schools.
• Her daily schedule includes “Morning Meeting” followed by 2-4 hours of focused work.  Afternoons are for enrichment activities, field trips, and homeschool co-op.
• Holly says that what keeps her going is the feeling that God has called her to do this.
• If she had to do something differently, she would prioritize self-care and her personal spiritual nourishment.

Holly also shares the extracurricular activities and devotions that their family does.  Are you curious about the books on her nightstand?  Listen as she shares how homeschooling has made a difference in her life.  Her advice to other homeschool moms is to form a small support system of other moms.  Join me for more from Holly!