DLTK's Songs for Children
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Listen to the classic children’s song "The Squirrel Song".
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Star Crafts:
Star Light, Star Bright Printable Resources:
On-Line Games and Puzzles:
The History of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"
"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" is a well-known English nursery rhyme that has been sung to children for generations. Its soothing melody and simple lyrics make it a staple in early childhood education and bedtime routines.
Origins and Literary Background
- Poem by Jane Taylor: The lyrics for "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" originated from a poem titled "The Star," written by English poet Jane Taylor. It was published in 1806 in a collection called Rhymes for the Nursery, which Jane co-authored with her sister, Ann Taylor .
- Melody: The melody commonly associated with the nursery rhyme is from the French tune "Ah! vous dirai-je, maman," which was first published in 1761. This melody is also used in other children's songs, including the "Alphabet Song" and "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" .
Themes and Symbolism
- Wonder and Curiosity: The rhyme captures the sense of wonder and curiosity that children often feel when gazing at the night sky. It encourages imaginative thinking and exploration of the natural world.
- Simplicity and Repetition: The rhyme's simple structure and repetitive phrasing make it easy for young children to memorize and sing along. This repetition helps with language development and early literacy skills.
Cultural Impact and Adaptations
- Musical Influence: The combination of Jane Taylor's poem and the French melody has made "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" one of the most recognizable nursery rhymes worldwide. It has been adapted into various musical compositions and educational songs .
- Educational Use: The rhyme is widely used in early childhood education to teach rhythm, melody, and language skills. It is often one of the first songs children learn to sing, making it an important tool for language development.
- Literary and Artistic Influence: The rhyme has inspired numerous adaptations in literature, art, and media. It has appeared in children's books, educational programs, and even scientific discussions about stars and astronomy.
- Parodies and Variations: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" has been parodied and modified in various cultural contexts, reflecting its universal appeal and versatility.
Night Sky nursery rhymes:
- Hey Diddle Diddle
- I See the Moon
- Man in the Moon
- Star Light, Star Bright
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Night Sky poems:
Outer Space Crafts and Coloring