The purpose of this page is to help students and teachers better understand Hmong culture:
Lots of information at The Hmong Cultural Center of Minnesota including:
Lesson Plans or Activities
Teaching with Dia's Story Cloth: The Hmong People's Journey to Freedom
World Lunchbox Curriculum-Hmong Food Traditions
Field Guide to Hmong Culture by Madison Children's Museum
Culture Connect: Experience the Cultures of the World
Background Information
Hmong Needlwork: Traditions Both Ancient and New
Between Two Worlds: Hmong Shaman in America (DVD)
The Split Horn Story - information related to the film by PBS
Lake View Elementary's own Mr. Her has written and published a book about a place in Laos which is very special to him. The photographs in this book are vivid, the text personal, and the reader will feel invited into experiencing this mysterious place right along with Mr. Her. We will be adding this book to our library collection very soon!
Author Ka Vang writes this story in the tradition of a Hmong folk tale, but incorporates modern day elements and a Minnesota setting into the tale. Read it to learn about Shoua and where her mother's special dream, a falling star and a wounded dragon lead. One thing is certain, Shoua discovers her own voice and magical power. (paraphrasing from Lulu publishing website.)
A news article and video of author Ka Vang discussing her work. is available at this liink.
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The Tiger in the Village by Pakou Vang is based on a Hmong folktale that Vang's grandmother retold about a tiger that enters a community, and the entire community works together to get rid of it.
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Authors Bee Lo and Maggie McHugh team up with illustrator Vong Lao to tell the story of a young girl's first garden in Laos. Ka learns about gardening, and the reader learns about traditional Hmong culture and living in harmony with nature.