We believe that children should be surrounded with a sense of calm, beauty, and warmth. At Acorn KinderHouse the aroma of baking bread fills the air, and the children are busily engaged in active play. We strive to surround the children with a home like environment filled with toys which are simple and natural. They are also designed to engage a child’s natural inclination toward imitation and activity. The young child learns through doing, and therefore opportunities for purposeful work abound: preparing vegetables for soup, gardening, woodworking -- all kinds of activities that enliven the imagination and strengthen the body. The teacher strives to bring forth these activities in a kind, loving, noble manner, worthy of imitation.
We believe that children see their work in school as play, fostering wonder and possibility, thus strengthening them from within in a lasting way and building the foundation for future academic success. We believe that a predictable daily rhythm, allows children to feel secure. At the Acorn KinderHouse a typical day’s activities are rich with watercolor painting, beeswax modeling, songs, fairy tales, puppet plays, and story time: these activities are designed to develop small motor skills, cultivate listening, concentration and language skills, number skills and teach children how to cooperate in a group.
We believe that children benefit from being in nature. To that end the children go outside every day, in every kind of weather, to play and romp and sled and skip. This outdoor time is precious, and is an integral part of the curriculum.
We believe - and science now confirms - that free play, in rain or shine, is essential to good health and balanced brain development. However, it also connects children deeply to the world in which they live, helping them become not only better students but also more responsible global stewards.
We base our beliefs on the writings and philosophy of Rudolf Steiner and our curriculum is inspired by Waldorf Education which he developed.
Abigail Lee-Wright
Lead Teacher and Director
Ms. Abigail received her degree from Oakland University and did her post graduate work in Waldorf Early Childhood Education. She has over 15 years of experience working with young children in both Waldorf and High Scope curriculums. She attended a Waldorf school as a child and has always had a passion for Waldorf education.
In her spare time she enjoys hiking, camping, yoga, needle felting, reading and spending time with family.
Laura Sias
Administrator and Little Acorn Lead Teacher
Ms. Laura obtained her Bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University and her Master's degree from McCormick. She has been working with young children and youth for 37 years in a variety of settings. She received training in Waldorf Education and homeschooled her two children Kindergarten through 12th grade utilizing a Waldorf curriculum. In her spare time she enjoys reading, walking, camping, creating needle felted dolls, yoga, theatre and wintry days spent by the fire.
Lindsay Emery
Class Assistant -Acorn Mixed Age Class
Ms. Lindsey has been a part of the Acorn KinderHouse family for several years and joined our staff as an Asstant in the Acorn Mixed Age Class last spring. Lindsey lives on a farm in Clarkston with her husband, four children and lots of animals!
Charne Lichtenberg
Class Assistant - Little Acorns
Parent and Child Assistant
Originally from South Africa, Ms. Charne loves spending tome with her three children and husband. She also has a passion for gardening, music, decorating and serving others.
Ms. Charne fell in love with Waldorf when her daughter had the opportunity to attend the Ducks and Ducklings classes and then Preschool at the KinderHouse. She has felt a strong connection to the natural way of teaching which honors the development of children and has lead her to find her calling in early childhood education.
Esther Lee
Lead Teacher - Afternoon Program
Substitute Teacher
Ms. Esther received her degree in child development and adolescent psychology from Oakland University and is currently working on her Master's Degree in counseling. She has been working at the Acorn KinderHouse since 2018. She enjoys writing, reading, wild life studies, yoga, knitting and has a passion for gardening.
(The KinderHouse welcomes peoples of all faiths, creeds and beliefs and is located at 5300 Maybee Rd. Clarkston MI within the Sashabaw Presbyterian Church)
We believe that children see their work in school as play, fostering wonder and possibility, thus strengthening them from within in a lasting way and building the foundation for future academic success. We believe that a predictable daily rhythm, allows children to feel secure. At the Acorn KinderHouse a typical day’s activities are rich with watercolor painting, beeswax modeling, songs, fairy tales, puppet plays, and story time: these activities are designed to develop small motor skills, cultivate listening, concentration and language skills, number skills and teach children how to cooperate in a group.
We believe that children benefit from being in nature. To that end the children go outside every day, in every kind of weather, to play and romp and sled and skip. This outdoor time is precious, and is an integral part of the curriculum.
We believe - and science now confirms - that free play, in rain or shine, is essential to good health and balanced brain development. However, it also connects children deeply to the world in which they live, helping them become not only better students but also more responsible global stewards.
We base our beliefs on the writings and philosophy of Rudolf Steiner and our curriculum is inspired by Waldorf Education which he developed.
Abigail Lee-Wright
Lead Teacher and Director
Ms. Abigail received her degree from Oakland University and did her post graduate work in Waldorf Early Childhood Education. She has over 15 years of experience working with young children in both Waldorf and High Scope curriculums. She attended a Waldorf school as a child and has always had a passion for Waldorf education.
In her spare time she enjoys hiking, camping, yoga, needle felting, reading and spending time with family.
Laura Sias
Administrator and Little Acorn Lead Teacher
Ms. Laura obtained her Bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University and her Master's degree from McCormick. She has been working with young children and youth for 37 years in a variety of settings. She received training in Waldorf Education and homeschooled her two children Kindergarten through 12th grade utilizing a Waldorf curriculum. In her spare time she enjoys reading, walking, camping, creating needle felted dolls, yoga, theatre and wintry days spent by the fire.
Lindsay Emery
Class Assistant -Acorn Mixed Age Class
Ms. Lindsey has been a part of the Acorn KinderHouse family for several years and joined our staff as an Asstant in the Acorn Mixed Age Class last spring. Lindsey lives on a farm in Clarkston with her husband, four children and lots of animals!
Charne Lichtenberg
Class Assistant - Little Acorns
Parent and Child Assistant
Originally from South Africa, Ms. Charne loves spending tome with her three children and husband. She also has a passion for gardening, music, decorating and serving others.
Ms. Charne fell in love with Waldorf when her daughter had the opportunity to attend the Ducks and Ducklings classes and then Preschool at the KinderHouse. She has felt a strong connection to the natural way of teaching which honors the development of children and has lead her to find her calling in early childhood education.
Esther Lee
Lead Teacher - Afternoon Program
Substitute Teacher
Ms. Esther received her degree in child development and adolescent psychology from Oakland University and is currently working on her Master's Degree in counseling. She has been working at the Acorn KinderHouse since 2018. She enjoys writing, reading, wild life studies, yoga, knitting and has a passion for gardening.
(The KinderHouse welcomes peoples of all faiths, creeds and beliefs and is located at 5300 Maybee Rd. Clarkston MI within the Sashabaw Presbyterian Church)
