Storytelling That Builds Identity,
Curiosity and Critical Thinkers

Workshops and storytelling experiences that help students understand representation,
analyze media and see themselves in the narratives that shape our world

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About

SharonKay Media

I’m Sharon Kay Laidlaw, an award‑winning journalist, educator and communications professional with deep experience shaping credible, high‑impact storytelling.

I bring the standards of professional journalism into classrooms, helping students explore identity, representation and media with curiosity,
confidence and critical thinking.

My workshops are research‑driven,
curriculum‑aligned and designed to create inclusive learning environments where every student feels seen and heard.

Telling the Story | Teaching the Craft

Black voices & BLACK EXCELLENCE workshops

Culturally grounded learning experiences that explore Black history, representation & lived experiences through storytelling, inquiry & hands‑on activities.

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media Literacy & JOURNALISM workshops

Media literacy sessions that teach students how stories are created, how bias works and how to analyze information with mindset of a journalist.

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Why Schools Choose
SharonKay Media

Each workshop blends evidence‑based, curriculum‑aligned content with inclusive, age‑appropriate activities that support inquiry, critical thinking and student voice. Drawing on both my lived experience and my foundation in journalism and media literacy, I design sessions that are engaging, accessible and adaptable for assemblies, classrooms or multi‑grade groups, helping students connect ideas, ask meaningful questions and build confidence as learners.

Featured Workshop

From Roots to Rights:
The History and Law of Hair

Students explore Black hair as cultural heritage and as a subject of legal and social debate. Through primary-source analysis and guided inquiry, they examine how discrimination is challenged through law, advocacy and storytelling. The session ends with a Collaborative Art Canvas celebrating dignity, equity and identity.

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What Educators Are Saying

"Ms. Kay provided an engaging and informative presentation to the Grade One students, using storytelling to explore Black History and the history of Black hair. She highlighted differences and uniqueness, encouraging students to celebrate diversity and appreciate individual identity. My students found her presentation fun, inspiring, and uplifting; her animated, kind and vibrant style captivated their attention for the full 40-minute period. When asked about her presentation, one student reflected that it was about loving yourself and celebrating differences as an opportunity to learn and grow. As an educator, I often find teaching Grade One students about the history of a topic can be too high-level for their age. Ms. Kay, however, spoke from her heart and clearly understood their developmental level, delivering her message in a way that was age-appropriate and accessible. Her presentation was fun, musical, coloUrful and hands-on. I loved it and immediately recommended her to my daughter’s school principal. I look forward to another presentation from her in the future, she was wonderful!"

— Mrs. L. McCutcheon, Grade 1 IB Teacher, RICHLAND ACADEMY

"As a teacher, I was truly impressed by Sharon’s presentation. Her lessons were engaging, interactive and clearly grounded in the curriculum, making the learning both meaningful and accessible for students. By focusing her lens on Black hair and identity, Sharon created an inclusive and thought-provoking experience that resonated with all learners, not just Black students. I would highly recommend these workshops not only during Black History Month, but as valuable learning opportunities throughout the entire school year."

— Ms. D. James, Grade 4 IB Teacher, RICHLAND ACADEMY

PRINCIPAL feedback

“Sharon’s presentation was engaging, thoughtful and deeply aligned with the values we cultivate in an IB school community. She creates a safe and respectful space where students feel comfortable reflecting, asking questions and engaging in meaningful dialogue. Her work empowers young people to think critically, honour diverse perspectives and see themselves as capable contributors to a more inclusive world.”

— Sandi Fischer, Head of School, RICHLAND ACADEMY

Professional Portfolio

Before launching SharonKay Media, I spent over two decades as a journalist, editor and communications professional. Explore selected samples of my published work.

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