Learner Assets Part II: Padlet Project Cultural Groups in MN by Conner Holthaus https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer Karen/Myanmar en-us 2021-03-02 19:41:16 UTC 2026-03-16 07:44:55 UTC hello@padlet.com Karen Flag holth039 https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1260658825 2021-03-02 20:35:41 UTC https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1260658825 Karen map holth039 https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1260668853 2021-03-02 20:38:03 UTC https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1260668853 #3 A brief, bulleted summary of key historical and political facts Link to accessible (easy to skim) information re: history, politics, religion holth039 https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1260690413 The Karen people  are an ethnolinguistic group of Sino-Tibetan language-speaking peoples.

1) The Karen people began to inhabit and settle in what eventually became Burma about two thousand years ago.

2)  They then traveled from Tibet and China and settled largely in the hills bordering the eastern mountainous region of Burma. (Which can be seen in the dark region labeled Karen map)

3)  British arrived in the 8th and 9th centuries and combined the small local groups into one in Burma. The karen making up for approximately 5-7% of the population

4) The Karen people then felt oppression from the Burmese

5) Around World War II the two groups conflict reached an all time high when the Karen sided with the British allies and the Burmese fought with the Japanese

6)  Once the war was over they did not achieve the Independence from the British that they were told they would get and the Burmese eventually became the dominant group once again

7) Entire Karen communities were forced to relocate and cut off from all resources and the Karen guerrilla movement was destroyed.

8) Groups of Karen community members soon began to flee to other countries and refugee camps

9) Now St. Paul, Minnesota hosts the largest Karen Community in the whole world

https://www.mnkaren.org/history-culture/karen-history/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_people]]> 2021-03-02 20:43:14 UTC https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1260690413 #7 Information on local events, museums, restaurants, etc. with connections to this cultural group . Where can we go to learn more? holth039 https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1260763980 The Karen group of Minnesota actually has multiple ways that you can reach them through their main office in Roseville, Minnesota. They also have multiple forms of social media where you can connect with them and even sign up for a monthly newsletter.  Throughout the year the Karen people host many events such as their annual Gala summer fundraisers, Karen New Year, Karen Martyr's Day, or another events! These events are always open to the public as they try to spread the word of the Karen people. If you ever want to connect with the Karen on a spiritual level there is over 16 churches and temples located near the metro and if you go to  https://www.mnkaren.org/resources/karen-religious-centers/ you can find the resources necessary to find the one nearest you!]]> 2021-03-02 21:01:32 UTC https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1260763980 #2: Karen Language hayde193 https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1266013327 Here is an example of a poster with PSAs written in both English and Karen languages. An example of Karen being spoken can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pa4ezvSqD0 ]]> 2021-03-03 20:44:36 UTC https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1266013327 #8: Culturally Relevant Teaching Materials hayde193 https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1266150285 https://projectkare.org/teaching-tips-for-mrm/ 

https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1121&context=jsaaea 

https://www.cmef.ca/resources/connections/immigrant-community-guides/karen/

https://www.nysut.org/~/media/files/nysut/resources/2019/edvoicexii_final.pdf?la=en (pages 48-57)]]> 2021-03-03 21:24:17 UTC https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1266150285 #4 reasons for leaving their home country. joh15258 https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1275301356
1) The Karen left Burma, their home land, to hopefully get away from the oppression rule under the Burmese.
 2) The Burmese army began a campaign against the Karen called “Four Cuts.” The goal was to get rid of the Karen people.
3) The Karen people fled to Thailand and stayed in refugee camps, but do to crowded conditions and the lack of funding from the government, many people tried to flee to other countries.

Karen History - Karen Organization of Minnesota (mnkaren.org)



]]> 2021-03-05 19:36:46 UTC https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1275301356 #5 reasons for settling in Minnesota joh15258 https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1275324348 The Karen people settled in Minnesota in large communities in 2005. The Karen people just wanted a safe place to live. When the United States allowed refugees in the country, Minnesota opened places for them to stay. The safe and welcoming community of Minnesota created a good environment for them to live in.
Karen History - Karen Organization of Minnesota (mnkaren.org)
Karen - International Institute of Minnesota (iimn.org)]]> 2021-03-05 19:42:18 UTC https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1275324348 #6 tips for teachers joh15258 https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1275349271 1) learning a new language is the biggest barrier for the Karen community. students will most likely speak two languages, one with their family at home, and English in the classroom. As teachers, keep this information in mind and create accommodations to make sure students understand what is going on.
2)The Karen community is not familiar with things we all take for granted. this means everything could be a new experience. in the classroom engagement is very important. 
3) because the Karen community are refugees, and many of them might not have the things needed for school, try to focus on learning more in school and less on doing homework outside of the classroom. give them equal opportunities as any other student to succeed.
 Karen - International Institute of Minnesota (iimn.org)
Karen History - Karen Organization of Minnesota (mnkaren.org)]]> 2021-03-05 19:48:30 UTC https://padlet.com/holth039/jq2lyqrh7oey0xer/wish/1275349271