Learn Uake has curated the unit of study “Hmong Then & Now: The Ever-Changing Nature of a Culture” for classroom grades 7-12. Click the links below for the Unit Summary and to explore each lesson.
Lesson 1: People on the Move: A WebQuest
Lesson 2: A Brief Overview of Hmong – A Museum Style Learning Experience
Lesson 3: Investigating Hmong in the Secret War
Lesson 4: Impacts of the Secret War Through Photo Analysis
Lesson 5: Bridging Traditions: Hmong Folk Arts and Contemporary Hmong Arts
Lesson 6: Reinforcing Cultural Identity Through Music
Lesson 7: Unraveling the Hmong New Year
Lesson 8: Hmong Organizations in the United States of America
Lesson 9: Prominent Hmong Figures: Representation and Influence in the US
Lesson 10: Hmong Agriculture: Farmers Among Us
Lesson Plans
Unit Summary
This Unit Summary provides guidance for teaching this unit, including the overall unit essential question, duration and approaches to teaching the unit, and related Common Core State Standards.
Lesson 1: People on the Move: A WebQuest
This lesson focuses on immigrants and refugees. Through a WebQuest, students will explore what makes someone an immigrant or a refugee. They will then compare and contrast experiences of immigrants and refugees. This online WebQuest is complete with 8 tasks. Each task will require students to do some reflective thinking and writing prior to moving on to the next task.
Lesson 2: A Brief Overview of Hmong – A Museum Style Learning Experience
This lesson is designed to be a small-scale museum-like experience that gives students a brief overview of the Hmong and their culture. This lesson is complete with all necessary artifacts and an Evidence of Learning where students will record what they learn.
Lesson 3: Investigating Hmong in the Secret War
This is a cooperative learning lesson in which students will complete a mini-research project. They will take on the role of a student FBI Lead Agent who investigates the Hmong’s involvement in the Secret War. Students/Lead Agents will report their “findings” to their classmates in an effort to teach each other about how the Hmong helped Americans in the Secret War.
Lesson 4: Impacts of the Secret War Through Photo Analysis
In this lesson, students will analyze 5 sets of thematic photos to better understand how the Secret War impacted the lives of thousands of Hmong people. After carefully examining each set of photos, students will use guiding questions to write a reflection. This lesson concludes with students reflecting upon their own lives and what’s most important to them.
Lesson 5: Bridging Traditions: Hmong Folk Arts and Contemporary Hmong Arts
This lesson explores how Hmong folk arts both preserve cultural heritage and respond to changes within the Hmong community. Students will analyze both traditional and contemporary Hmong arts to uncover the cultural stories they convey. They will then express their understanding by crafting artworks that honor the past and embrace the present.
Lesson 6: Reinforcing Cultural Identity Through Music
This is a discussion-based lesson in which students will learn about different traditional Hmong musical instruments. Students will also see how Hmong identity is reinforced through Hmong music. There will also be discussions about how popular music today is reflective of our culture and society.
Lesson 7: Unraveling the Hmong New Year
This lesson revolves around understanding the Hmong New Year and how it plays a role in cultural identity. Students will delve into the richness of this celebration through dynamic interactive learning stations, progressing through at their own pace. By the end of the lesson, students will be adept at explaining the significance of the Hmong New Year, unraveling its customs, and comprehending its influence on cultural identity.
Lesson 8: Hmong Organizations in the United States of America
This discussion-based lesson centers on diving into the concept of diaspora and its impact on the Hmong community. Students will identify historical factors that contributed to the Hmong diaspora in the US. Furthermore, they will engage in research to uncover vital Hmong organizations dedicated to upholding the culture and supporting the community during times of displacement. As a result, students will depart this lesson equipped with the ability to recognize the critical role played by Hmong organizations in preserving cultural heritage.
Lesson 9: Prominent Hmong Figures: Representation and Influence in the US
In this lesson, students will uncover prominent Hmong figures representing the Hmong community in the US. Students will identify and research these exceptional individuals using primary and secondary sources. Utilizing student choices, they will choose an engaging project to showcase the captivating stories of influential Hmong figures who have left an incredible mark on the United States.
Lesson 10: Hmong Agriculture: Farmers Among Us
This lesson encourages students to discover the evolution of Hmong farming in the USA and explore the deep-rooted connection to cultural identity and preservation. In this lesson, students will analyze secondary sources to understand the impact of war-related displacement on Hmong farmers. Through critical discussions, students will evaluate and formulate opinions on the role of farming in cultural preservation and sustainability.