Yes, I read it.

Many thanks to those of you who sent me a link to this article. I did indeed read it. I wish that "JM" had been more specific in her questioning. For instance:

Waldorf schools use beeswax crayons. All schools use crayons. Is it the beeswax that makes Waldorf crayons bad? Couldn't be. The Church uses beeswax candles.

Waldorf schools use chunky triangular pencils. My orthodontist gives out chunky triangular pencils. Are the ones labeled "Lyra" bad and the ones labeled "Dr. C" acceptable? Or should I throw them all in the trash, lest they lead me from the faith?

Waldorf schools encourage students to create beautifully drawn borders around written narrations. Are those borders inherently evil? They are rather reminiscent of the medieval illuminations. Perhaps I should get rid of those saints books and alphabet books with the illuminations, just to be sure.

Waldorf schools weave fairy stories into daily life. So does Martha Morse, one of my favorite fictional mothers. Is it the stories that are evil? The fairies? What exactly is it that makes fairy stories taboo? Sorry, I'm not ditching my Martha and Charlotte stories. They absolutely do not threaten my faith and they absolutely do enrich the life of my children.

Waldorf schools use transition rhymes and songs to move from one activity to the next. So does Barney the Dinosaur. And I'm pretty sure Miss Sherry did on Romper Room, too. And so do I. Does this mean I must never sing "Clean up, clean up, everybody, everywhere?" Is it really holier to just put my hands on my hips and bark the order?

My guess is that there isn't any problem at all with the use of certain craft supplies, songs, stories or styles of narration. And my guess is that most practicing Catholics are able to discern what is a quality school supply or a clever way of engaging the hearts and minds of children and what is potentially damaging. But if you are unsure, if you have any doubt, then by all means, avoid beeswax and fairies and narrations with watercolor embellishments. Certainly, it's better to be safe, than sorry.