Preschoolers Explore the Inspiring Work of African American Inventor Garrett Morgan

Preschoolers in classroom 201 are continuing to learn about extraordinary individuals through their Black History Month lessons with teacher Norma Bell.

They are currently exploring the life-saving inventions of African American Garrett Morgan. He developed the 3-way traffic signal.  After witnessing a roadway accident, Mr. Morgan decided a device with a warning light must alert traffic of the need to stop and set out to make it so!

As part of their lesson, the students learned the definition of an inventor.  Then, working collaboratively, the preschoolers created their own 3-way traffic signal in honor of Garrett Morgan’s lasting contribution to saving lives! (See gallery below) Students now know that RED means STOP, YELLOW means WAIT, and GREEN means GO! They also made a traffic light to take home.

Mr. Morgan’s famous quote still resonates—especially in Children’s Village’s classrooms:  “If you can be the best, then why not try to be the best.”