Learning about Garrett Morgan

It’s Black History Month, and it’s a great time to learn about people who might not be as well known but who definitely deserve a place in the history books.

Example: Garrett Morgan. His inventions included a revamped sewing machine, hair-straightening oil, a breathing device used to develop gas masks during World War I and, most famously, an innovation that led to the modern traffic light.

After witnessing a carriage accident, he developed a signal that let drivers know they would need to stop soon, which preceded the three-color light we have today.

Check out biography.com to read all about his life and many inventions. No Time for Flashcards has a fun traffic light activity for preschoolers as a way to introduce Morgan to younger kids. Add a game of red light, green light (and throw in yellow light in Morgan’s honor!) to make the learning even more fun.

[Photo: No Time for Flashcards.]

Looking for more coloring matching activities? Check out these Color Matching flash cards.

Remembrance Day (marked as Veterans Day in the United States) is Nov. 11, and it marks the end of hostilities in World War I. Poppies are a traditional symbol of the day because it is said they were the first flower to grow again on the battlefields, which inspired a famous poem. Let’s check out some poppy crafts you can make with your kids as part of a World War I unit or for Remembrance Day.

This pretty poppy craft from Krokotak just requires the printable, some crayons, scissors and glue. The printable includes the center of the flower and kids can draw the outside as well as adding stem.

Glued to My Crafts has a printable for a torn paper poppy, or you could color or paint this one as well.

Use torn or cut pieces of paper to make these poppy suncatchers from Red Ted Art.

Happy Hooligans has a bunch of great poppy crafts but I particularly like the painted rocks and easy paper plate poppy.

Crafty Morning has a cute poppy craft made with fingerprints, which is quick and easy to do with kids of any age.

Older kids and adults can make these folded paper poppies from Chica and Jo, but they do involve hot glue and floral wire, which can be sharp, so it’s not for young kids. An easier paper poppy that only calls for regular craft glue can be found at Sugar Spice and Glitter. This one also has a printable template to make it easier.

These felt poppies from One Little Project also use a glue gun and a sewing needle, but they’re so pretty I couldn’t resist sharing them for older kids. Add a pipe cleaner stem or turn them into pins to wear for remembrance events. Check out their coffee filter poppy craft for a great option for younger kids.

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