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Classroom Resource

Creating a Story Cloth

Grades 6-12

Multiple class periods

Lessons from Hmong cultural traditions of storytelling through embroidery.

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Student created story cloth quilt

Objectives

Enduring Understanding

Storytelling is and has been the primary means of transmitting learning throughout human history.

Essential Question

  • Why are our stories important?

Students will

  • Identify different historical periods of migration and movement for Hmong history.
  • Discuss the impact migration and movement have on Hmong people today.
  • Understand how the paj ntaub art form and story cloths are a connection to Hmong history and culture.
  • Create a story cloth about significant historical periods in their family or personal life.

Activity

In this lesson, students learn the history of Hmong embroidery, the meaning of story cloths in Hmong culture, and create their own version of a story cloth.

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Credit: Lesson plan created by Jackson Yang. 

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Last Updated: April 10, 2026


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