Black History Month at West Downs

There were learning opportunities at every turn for children at West Downs Day Nursery in Winchester as they took part in exciting co-research activities to find out more about famous African American inventor and entrepreneur, Garrett Morgan, as part of Black History Month.

After learning all about the events that led Morgan to pioneer the first ever set of traffic lights and the need for more efficient ways to ensure safety, children from the award-winning setting on Romsey Road created their very own fact book based on the inventor, who also developed the gas mask, as well as making their own replica lights using recycled materials.

During the experience, children took part in activities to familiarise themselves with the highway code and spoke about how to stay safe as pedestrians, before taking to the garden to showcase their knowledge with a ‘stop and go’ game, complete with traffic light props.

During the month, pre-schoolers have also explored the lives and legacies of influential figures including Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and Maya Angelou, as well as discovering the sounds and rhythms of traditional African music and creating inspired artwork.

West Downs Day Nursery Team Leader, Danni Markwick explained;

“At West Downs we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone’s contributions are celebrated. We believe it is vital to commemorate and teach the achievements of influential African Americans like Garrett Morgan to inspire our young minds to dream big and make a difference in their own future. Black History Month has been hugely insightful and filled with important lessons about equality, history and innovation.”

Black History Month is celebrated annually throughout October.