Analysis of Yippee, School’s Out!

About this poem

Eminent Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget 1896-1980), famous for his pioneer work on child development and his theory of cognitive development, once observed with humor and much seriousness that learning is child’s play, meaning by that, that teachers would be better off making school work a playful thing of adventurous discoveries. Indeed, at the heart of every child’s desire, is the unquenchable thirst for discovery of new knowledge and exploration of what the world has to offer to allow for and facilitate human growth and development. The third line of this poem’s first stanza reads “Guys, let’s make hay,” and is suggestive of a gleeful call to take advantages of opportunities offered to pursue and participate in activities that provide new insights. This poem echoes Piaget’s sentiments suggesting that behind their noisy prattle and their winsome jabbering, especially when there is no school in session, children are never ever idle, but are forever engaged in finding innovative ways of learning. This poem was written at a time when my grandchildren were on vacation and exuberantly celebrating their “freedom,” only to seek out, explore, and be engaged in something new — a puzzle for many adults. more »