Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: A Universal Song in Turkish Words

The first day of school is a big step in every child’s life—and in many cultures, it’s celebrated with songs and poems. One of the most beloved Turkish children’s poems is Daha Dün Annemizin Kollarında. It’s often recited or sung by kids starting school for the first time. With just a few short lines, it expresses a child’s journey from early childhood to the exciting new world of learning.

Turkish Poem: Daha Dün Annemizin Kollarında

Daha dün annemizin
Kollarında yaşarken
Çiçekli bahçemizin
Yollarında koşarken
Şimdi okullu olduk
Sınıfları doldurduk
Sevinçliyiz hepimiz
Yaşasın okulumuz

English Translation: Yesterday on Mom’s Shoulders

It’s like yesterday,
We depended on mom (for everything)
We used to run around
Our flower garden
Now we grew to be students
We filled the classrooms
We are so happy
Long live our school!

What Does This Poem Teach?

This cheerful poem captures the emotional moment when children leave their home environment and step into a new chapter—school. It celebrates growth, learning, and the joy of being part of a community. It’s a wonderful way to introduce Turkish school-related vocabulary while building a connection between home and school life.

New Words to Learn from the Poem

• Anne – mom

• Kollar – arms

• Bahçe – garden

• Koşmak – to run

• Okul – school

• Sınıf – classroom

• Sevinç – joy

Parents and teachers can help kids act out the lines or draw a picture of themselves going from their garden to the classroom, learning these words naturally.

Activities to Try with Children

Memory Drawing
Invite children to draw what it looked like when they were younger, and what it looks like now that they go to school. Label each picture with Turkish words.

First-Day Role Play
Practice Turkish school-related phrases like “Merhaba öğretmenim” (Hello teacher) or “Ben öğrenciyim” (I am a student).

Sing Together
Set the poem to a simple melody and sing it with your child. Songs are a powerful way to boost vocabulary retention.

Language Learning with Dinolingo

One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to teach children Turkish is with Dinolingo. Dinolingo offers animated Turkish lessons, games, songs, and flashcards that make learning fun and natural. Whether your child is just starting school or already in a classroom, Dinolingo helps support language growth with kid-friendly tools. It works on web, iOS, and Android and even includes offline materials and a parent dashboard.

Final Thoughts

Daha Dün Annemizin Kollarında is more than just a back-to-school poem—it’s a touching reminder of how far children come as they grow. Through poetry, music, and activities, learning Turkish becomes not just educational, but deeply emotional and joyful. Try reading the poem together, talking about your child’s first day, and let it become part of your own school-time tradition.