In the Water is Wide, the author and main character, Pat Conroy, shows and uses many different teaching styles.  The book took place in the south, on an island off the coast of <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">South Carolina</st1:place></st1:State>, called Yamacraw, where life revolved around violence.  The parents use drinking to wash away their problems and, in Conroy’s eyes, all the children on the island will end up like their parents if he does not change their views of life.  Conroy not only wants to change the children’s ways, but also the ways of their parents and neighbors as well.  He decided that the only way the Yamacraw children would learn is if he tried several methods of teaching to see which worked best.  Conroy wanted the children to find out how big the world was and the many opportunities that were available for them.  The book was written to tell what happened and how it changed Conroy’s views about his teaching philosophy.  He wants his readers to feel the experiences and relationships that took place the year he taught on Yamacraw.  He was trying to prove to the school board and administration that there were many problems that needed to be fixed and many lives needed to be changed. 

On the first day of class, Conroy has high expectations of the students, but soon finds out they do not possess the basic reading, writing, and language skills.  Conroy is told he is to teach grades five through eight, but the whole class should have not passed kindergarten.  Conroy was also told to teach by the book.  Although he is informed to use strict ways, Conroy does not use any kind of violence in his teaching strategies.  Mrs. Brown, the principal of the Yamacraw schoolhouse, told Conroy that he is to use stern ways of teaching and to beat the children as much as possible.  This is an example of why teachers should not listen to all of the advice given by the people around them.  Teachers need to find what works best for themselves as well as their students.  “The second day was spend in an honest effort to find out what they knew,” Conroy explained (31).  He finds that since all eight children do not know about the countries, oceans, the alphabet or personal things about themselves, the textbook will not do them any good.  Some alternative teaching approaches he chooses are drawing pictures of themselves, listening to and learning about music, and talking with the children.  “Most of the boys drew themselves to look exactly as they had drawn me . . . no one had darkened his face or gave any indication that he or she might be black “Conroy stated (30).  The students were not even educated to realize that there was a difference in race.  Listening to music and singing provided the children with comfort and confidence.  Conroy connected right away with the children through the music which strengthened their relationship.  Talking with his students and answering all their questions was the most effective way he taught the whole year.  Conroy shares personal experiences and childhood stories to help the children better understand the outside world.  Conroy took the children on trips off the island to let them experience things they never would otherwise.  Conroy invited forty people to the island throughout the school year, to help the children see other perspectives as well as other teaching methods he did not or could not cover. 

No one is perfect; every teacher has flaws, including Conroy.  His lack of discipline is an area that needs improvement.  He did not agree with beating the children.  He felt that building a relationship was a stronger ways to send them in the right direction.  Their relationship grew during their first trip off the island to learn about Halloween.  However, the children now have a misconception about the people in Georgia.  The students believe that people of Georgia will let anyone sleep in their house and give out candy everyday.  This is where Conroy made another error.  He did not prepare them for what they would see and learn about Halloween and Georgia.  He should have conducted a Halloween experience on the island. 

Talking to and sharing with the children is the most effective way to help students learn.  Conroy does not teach anything like a traditional teacher, however, he knows that fifth through eight graders require large amounts of information during these critical years of school.  It doesn’t seem like they are learning anything from the book, however, they do have to catch up on the five to nine years that they have missed.  Conroy understands that the type of information that they need to make up the missed years of school aren’t contained in a book.  It’s real life that they are learning.  Conroy, for the most part, is patient with the students, but has no patience with the other teachers and administration, especially when he does not get his way.  Towards the end of the book, Conroy lets his ego affect his teaching.  “I could probably be with the Yamacraw children had I conquered my ego, “Conroy admits (289).

Before Yamacraw came into his life, Conroy had his own set of views regarding other races.  He leaves Yamacraw unwillingly, but has gained a sympathetic, open mind and a broader view of the ways of the people around him.  Conroy describes other teaching approaches and views to inspire anyone who possesses a love for children.  Conroy is one of the few teachers who possess the desire to change a part of the world with his time and dedication.  He feels his role as their teacher extends far beyond the book.  His goal is to share as many real life experiences with the children and help them see through is eyes, the ways of the outside world.  He wants to prepare them so if they leave the island, they will have some understanding of what faces them that the book would never have covered.  When I become a teacher, I will remember to use some of the techniques from Conroy’s book to teach my students in ways they can learn the best.  Teachers have the ability to influence and change children’s lives.  Conroy’s intentions for teachers who read his book is that they will share his experience of teaching that most will never get the chance to. 

Water Is Wide: http://www164.pair.com/fictiona/pictures/0553268937NE.gif

Pat Conroy: http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst/graphics/conroy_pat1b.gif

Halloween: https://www.hannakrausecandy.com/Halloween/Images/Cat%20with%20Pumpkin.jpg

Talking and Sharing & Conroy's Goals: pictures are from Microsoft clipart online at http://office.microsoft.com/clipart/default.aspx?lc=en-us