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COPYRIGHT 2004 International Reading Association Inc.
Miss Moonbeam, the eighth-grade language arts "student teacher" at a middle school in rural Kansas for her third consecutive year, stands in the corner of the classroom near the window. Commanding attention from students, teachers, and other visitors (and startling a few), her black hair is tied by pieces of purple yarn into two ponytails that fall onto her shoulders.
Today, her attire includes an ankle-length denim skirt--pinned in the back (though it still sags from time to time) to fit her model-sized waist--and a school spirit T-shirt. Her accessories include a Kansas State University neck chain that holds a key to a motorcycle, an orange Hawaiian lei, pins that say "No. 1 Teacher" and "Read!", and a pair of University of Kansas Jayhawk earrings. She's also draped in a graduation cap and gown (one student has suggested it's about time!) and metallic sunglasses (left by a former student).
The wardrobe supports the idea that Miss Moonbeam is no ordinary student teacher. A mannequin purchased from a department store, Miss Moonbeam has been quietly helping guide the English and literature classes in the school for three years now. Her arms are bent at the wrist; her hands are palms up as if gesturing. She looks to her right, away from the window. On her left wrist hangs a purse. In her right hand (the one known to fall off from time to time) she carries a book--something that the students change frequently to support their interests. Today, it's one of the books in the Lemony Snicket series. She stands amid a mountain of pillows the students use during silent reading time.
Miss Moonbeam is a quiet woman--a little shy around the students, yet she's always...
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