Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Nursery Rhyme

"The Star" is a traditional nursery rhyme written by Jane Taylor in 1806. Nowadays only the first verse is widely known and is usually called “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”.

The tune was first published in 1761 in France and was called, “Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman”. Today, “Baa, Baa Black Sheep”, “The Alphabet Song” and “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” are all sung to its melody. Mozart was fascinated by this tune. He wrote twelve pieces for piano based on it in the 1780s.

"Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" is a beautiful lullaby and we use bells and chimes as imagery for twinkling stars. The finale symbolises a falling star or supernova.

Click on the play arrow above to listen to our version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star set to Irish music for kids. Go to The Star page where you can share our nursery rhyme with your friends and/or buy the MP3 download.

Lyrics for Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

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

When the blazing sun is gone
When he nothing shines upon
Then you show your little light
Twinkle, twinkle all the night
Twinkle, twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are

Then the traveller in the dark
Thanks you for your tiny spark
He could not see where to go
If you did not twinkle so
Twinkle, twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are

In the dark blue sky you keep
And often through my curtains peep
For you never shut your eye
'Til the sun is in the sky
Twinkle, twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are

As your bright and tiny spark
Lights the traveller in the dark
Though I know not what you are
Twinkle, twinkle little star
Twinkle, twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are

Youtube Video of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Click on the arrow below to watch our youtube video clip of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"

Classroom Ideas for Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Music: Teach children how to play chimes and bells along with this song. The melody can also be played simply on a tin whistle. “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” is one of the first tunes that children play.

Social, Environmental and Scientific Education: Stars are the suns of other solar systems. Introduce the planets in our solar system and the influence that they have had on cultures down through the ages. Explore the symbolism of the star in the Christmas story. It guided three wise men and shepherds to the stable. Stars have been a vital navigation tool, e.g. North Star and Southern Cross. Examine constellations. Which ones appear in the Northern Hemisphere? Do the same ones appear in the Southern Hemisphere? Are there differences between the night skies in winter and summer?