Ms. Muro's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 5

• An iPad for my Kiddos!

  Funded May 2, 2016

  Thank you for making it possible for my students to have an iPad in the classroom. This iPad has made such a difference in my students' lives. They are excited to be using this tool in different ways other than for playing video games and watching You Tube videos. We have already begun using our iPad to create visual dictionaries for various books we are reading. The students enjoy teaching each other the new vocabulary they have added to their dictionaries.

  As soon as we received our iPad, I began to work with our students to teach them how to access a reading app that they can use independently. They love using this app and are always excited to have a turn at "reading on the iPad". Who knew that this iPad and app would get them to read more? They are able to monitor their own progress and have a friendly competition going on in class.

  These experiences have really motivated my students to want to learn more about the world around them. We are currently working on creating visual presentations to demonstrate our learning. The students have come up with some great ideas. Soon, we will be moving on to creating comic strips and short movies. The kiddos are super excited about this! Once again, thank you so much, for your generous donation to our classroom.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Muro

• An Apple a Day Gets Curiosity to Stay!

  Funded Dec 17, 2016

  Thank you all so much for your generous donations to this project. It is such wonderful news to know that my kiddos will have two iPads in our classroom when we return from Winter Break. I know my students will be very excited to hear the news and I'm excited to be able to offer my students access to 21st century technology. Again, thank you for your generosity.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Muro

• Teach the Teacher!

  Funded Feb 21, 2015

  This technology project that you so generously have funded has changed our lives. Our iPad has tremendously helped my class! So much of what we need to get through our day is only accessible with technology. Simple things like taking attendance and looking up Common Core State Standards is much easier and far less time consuming because our technology is now compatible with the programs that we use. I can easily access our district's reading monitoring program (DiBELS) to find reports and/or analyze data. I can also use my iPad to administer progress monitoring assessments. I can instantly share this data with students to help them set new learning goals. My students also have access to learning apps that help strengthen their reading and math skills. When I meet with colleagues to plan our instruction, we are continuously using this technology to find ways to enhance lessons and provide visual aides.

  My students are very excited about our new iPad. We use it for so many different tasks. Whenever we are learning about something new and we come across an unfamiliar name of a person, place, or thing, we look it up. It has helped my students become more curious about the world around them (that and a little prodding from the teacher). We also use our iPad to record students' oral presentations. They can look at the playback and see how well they did and where they can improve. Another feature that we use is the voice recording app. Our district requires that we transcribe students' collaborative conversations. This technology has been extremely helpful in meeting this requirement.

  All of my students have benefited from having an iPad in our classroom. But one particular group of students that has benefited is my group of English language learners. Many of them have limited experiences and lack the background knowledge necessary to understand much of what we are learning. Being able to project images or clarify misconceptions through the use of visuals has helped to give students the information they need to be more successful at accessing new material. Most of my students enjoy working with the iPad but the ones who truly are fascinated with this device are the ones who do not have any technology at home. They delight in their one-on-one time with our iPad. I am very thankful to you for making it possible for me to provide my students with these opportunities.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Muro

  This classroom project was brought to life by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and one other donor.

• Composter to Teach for the Planet

  Funded Nov 21, 2014

  Thank you for your kind donation to our composting project. Your gift is already making a big difference in how our class looks at "trash." We had a great time putting our composter together. My students were really excited about using real "tools" to assemble the bin. Once we put it together, our plant manager helped us find a permanent location for it.

  I led the students in an introduction to composting with lessons from the curriculum "Do the Rot Thing." We began by looking at biodegradable vs. non-biodegradable waste. After tracking our lunch garbage for several days, the students identified ways to sort our lunch trash into reuse, recycle, and reduced waste piles. It was a real eye-opener for us all to see how much garbage we throw into landfills on a daily basis.

  When my students and I collected material for our first compost "batch", we drew quite a crowd of onlookers. We piqued the interest of other 4th graders who quickly told their teachers about our project. I have shared the curriculum and science connections with my colleagues and they are planning to participate in composting next year. Who knew that trash collection would interest our students?

  We are currently working on ways to teach our school community via visual presentations, flyers, and brochures using our Chromebook. Of course, none of this would have been possible if not for your generous contribution to our project. Your gift has provided my students with "hands –on" learning opportunities that they would not have had otherwise. Please know how much you've helped our class and how much we appreciate your generosity.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Muro

  This classroom project was brought to life by Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and 3 other donors.

• Visual Aides for Vocabulary

  Funded Sep 10, 2012

  Thank you so much for funding my project. We received our tablet and scanner and have put them to good use. My students are so excited to use their new tablet. This new technology has been so helpful in engaging my students during our reading and writing activities. I use it show my kids images of many objects that are unfamiliar to them. They also like having time alone to read a story or play an educational game.

  I am also extremely excited to have a scanner. I use it to create picture files for lesson studies, and sharing resources with other teachers. Working at an inner-city school with little access to a copy machine can be frustrating. Our new scanner has greatly increased my productivity.

  I want to express my gratitude for your generous donation. My inner-city students and I are enjoying our new technology that would not have been possible without your gift.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Muro

  This classroom project was brought to life by Teachers Rock and one other donor.