We’re pleased to share a new free lesson plans for SHARDS by Rosemary Frisino-Toohey, now available as a free educational resource as a free download.
SHARDS is a powerful ensemble play that centers student voices in the aftermath of a school shooting, focusing not on spectacle, but on memory, blame, media narrative, and the long work of living forward. Because of the subject matter, we approached this Companion with particular care—prioritizing historical context, research-based inquiry, and emotionally responsible classroom engagement.
What’s Included in the Classroom Companion
- Pre- and post-reading discussion questions that emphasize ethical reasoning and perspective
- A Culture and History section grounded in research, examining historical patterns of media response, school safety policy, trauma, and youth voice
- Text connections to novels, plays, and films that explore collective trauma and public narrative
- Student-facing activities that encourage critical thinking without requiring performance or personal disclosure
- Flexible assessment options suitable for ELA, theatre, social studies, and interdisciplinary classrooms
All activities are designed to support thoughtful discussion while allowing teachers to set clear boundaries and provide opt-in pathways for students.
Why This Companion Matters
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SHARDS asks students to grapple with difficult questions:
Who gets to tell the story after a tragedy?
How does blame form—and what does it cost?
What does healing look like when there is no clean ending?
This Companion helps educators frame those questions with historical distance, credible sources, and space for reflection—without simplifying or sensationalizing the material.