1. Karen Ka-REN

2. Objectives Understand the History/Current Events of the Karen People Understand Language and Culture of the Karen Better Engage in Relationship on all Levels – Students – Families – Adults Differentiate Lesson/Instruction

3. Assessment Group Presentation Each Group will present on one objective Presentation will be given in video format. Service Learning Volunteer in Karen Community (school, community center) At least 5 Hours of service is mandatory Interview Interview two different members of the community Reflection Paper Multiple Choice Test

4. Believed to have migrated into present day Burma about 2000 years ago. Ethnic Burmese migrated into present day Burma and began conquering the existing kingdoms, advancing even into present day Thailand. British occupation ruled Burma during the middle 1800s – halting Ethnic Burmese ‘s assault on ethnic minority groups. Burma regained independence during the early 19 th century. As a result, the Burmese Independence Army (BIA) once again began ethnic cleansing of minority groups, including the Karen. Guerilla armies congregated to defend themselves against the BIA. Presently, ethnic minority groups continue guerrilla warfare with the military regime. As government pressures continue, many Karen started fleeing to neighboring Thailand. Refugee camps were established in Northern Thailand. Fallout of Karenese government resulted in self-destruction. Camps were being attacked and razed. Sporadic government sanctioned cease fire occurred from 1995-2003. Burmese Army ended ceasefire in 2003, UNHCR began resettling Karen refugees in other countries.

7. There are three main sub-groups within the Karen ethnicity. Skaw Karen Pwo Karen Bwe Karen Skaw Karen. All Skaw Karen speak the same language with regional dialects. Burmese Karen use script developed by Baptist missionaries based on the Burmese alphabet whereas Thai Karen use a romanized system. Pwo Karen. The second largest sub-group found in the lowland areas. Two separate languages are used by the Pwo, with two different writing system – one developed by missionaries and the other by Buddhist monks. Bwe Karen. Bwe Karen are found both in mountainous and lowland regions. Their written system is romanized as developed by missionaries. Because their village is further fromt eh thai land, they often seek refuge in the mountains.

9. Now what? Differentiating Lesson Plan/Instruction Culturally Sensitive Challenges Language Barrier Those who have learned how to read and write in their first language versus those who have not. What about our students who are not Karen? RELIGION Trauma Assimilation