About the Author

Jennifer E. Lawson, PhD, is the creator of the Hands-On books published by Portage & Main Press. As senior writer and editor for the series, she has contributed to more than 50 publications for teachers and students. Jennifer provides professional development workshops for educators locally, nationally, and virtually, and is a Workplace Wellness Advisor. Her most recent book is a collective effort called Teacher, Take Care: A Guide to Well-Being and Workplace Wellness for Educators. She is also one of the founders of Mission to Mexico, an organization that supports schools in some of the most impoverished communities in Puerto Vallarta. Throughout her extensive career in education, Jennifer has worked as a classroom teacher, resource and special education teacher, consultant, principal, university instructor, and school trustee. She lives with her family in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Susan Atcheson, BSc in psychology, BEd, PBCE, certificate in special education, is a resource teacher in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As an educator for the past 30 years, Susan has worked as a classroom teacher with children with learning disabilities, as a resource teacher at both the elementary and middle-years levels, and as a tutor for adult education. Susan believes in creating learning environments for children that engage and support curiosity and imagination while developing strong academic and social skills.

Pat Steuart, BEd, is an elementary school teacher who has taught all subjects in primary grades 1 to 4. She currently teaches a multiage/grades 1–3 classroom. Pat believes in an activity-based approach to teaching and providing opportunities for students to share and discuss their solutions and ideas. She has taught courses in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba. She resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Dayna Quinn-LaFleche, BEd, is the K–4 math and math-intervention teacher at Rosser Elementary School in the Interlake School Division in Rosser, Manitoba. She believes that students learn best through hands-on activities or experiences, and that when they make connections from the curriculum to real life, genuine education happens. She lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Denise MacRae, BHEc, EdCert, is a former primary school teacher who taught nursery to grade 3 for 29 years in the inner city of Winnipeg. She currently works as a faculty advisor for the University of Manitoba. She lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.