Why do I read aloud GoodNight Moon to my preschoolers every day?
Yes, every day, right before chapter reading.
It has the words that paint images in the minds of young children. It has rhyming that sways. The words feel good to hear. I watch children as they listen to me read, and they smile and relax. It is timeless. Children have loved this book since it was published in 1947. Children in my classroom have loved the book since I’ve been teaching, and that’s over 40 years.
The sad news is the New York Public Library’s children’s librarian disliked the book. Imagine that. It wasn’t until 1972 – 25 years after the 1947 publication – that Goodnight Moon finally became a book available in their library. Since then the book has been checked out well over 100,000 times from New York City libraries. Whew!
I read Goodnight Moon to children before chapter reading. The lights are out, children are on their mats, and they’re ready to hear this beloved story. It’s a ritual. Children need rituals. Oh, if I ever forget to read Goodnight Moon before chapter reading, the children let me know, loud and clear.
Frankly, this is the most important thing I do every day for children.
As the year goes on, I ‘change it up’ for children. I incorporate their names into the story. “In the great green room there was a telephone and Sally’s red balloon, and a picture of Charlie jumping over the moon.” Children have to really focus on the words so they don’t miss their name. This takes the book to a new level. The laughter is so loud, making it even harder (and more fun) for children to focus on the story. I don’t do this every day, making it even more exciting.
By springtime, children know the words. The Helper of the Day gets to come over with Jennie and recite Goodnight Moon. This is a big deal! Some children ‘pass’, some are eager to say the words along with me, and some are eager to recite the words on their own.
By the end of the school year, the book and the words have been cemented in the best of ways. Reading and hearing wonderful words that paint pictures in your brain and fill your heart with smiles can never be understated. Never.
Even Gloria loves Goodnight Moon. When she spent the holidays over Christmas and New Years with me, she wanted me to read the book to her every night. I did.
Jennie
P.S. Sometimes I get a little crazy with Goodnight Moon. When I showed children this video, they asked, “Who is that?”
A Teacher's Reflections 
Your love for that book literally shines through like moonlight. I love to see your enthusiasm and caring nature on the video clips too. I wish I could be young again, if only for one day in the Aqua Room, so that you could be my teacher!
Best wishes, Pete.
Pete, that is so nice of you to say. I’m glad my nature comes across. Thank you! I would love, love to have you in my class as an Aqua Roomer for a day. You could be Helper of the Day and hang out with Gloria.
My sentiments exactly, Pete! I think that every time I read one of Jennie’s posts.
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I hadn’t thought about it till you said it, Jennie, but you’re right, children really do need rituals. And this is such a charming one. How could they not love it?
They really do, and this is one of the best. Thank you, Mitch.
I love this book too, and you read it for all of the right reasons. I’m going to guess that the great majority of your kids read this book to their children and grandchildren one day ❤
Thank you, Beth. I do hope my kids read this book to their kids and grandkids. It’s so wonderful, as you know. 💕
Wonderful. I know children enjoy hearing the same story many times over but I’ve never heard of reading the same book daily, but it sure makes sense as you show. I wonder what your former students have to say about the experience of that book and the daily readings. Can they still recite it? Do they? Do they have their own copies?
I will have to ask former students when they come to visit. I wonder if what they remember is more of how it made them feel rather than the words – much like the Maya Angelou quote. Isn’t that what a good book is supposed to do? Many thanks for your lovely comment.
I hope you ask, this ritual is worth studying and documenting. It certainly created a powerful foundation for literacy (and other skills) for your students.
Many thanks, and you are spot on.
My “Goodnight Moon” book was as worn as that just reading it to my kids. Love your rap version since kids love music.
That is wonderful; a well-loved copy for sure. I’m glad you enjoyed the rap version. It was fun to do. Many thanks!
I’ve read this book often to preschoolers and to my grandchildren. They all love it. It has the right cadence making it so easy for them to remember and “read” on their own. I have video I recorded of my grandson, barely a toddler, “reading” this book. It makes my heart happy every time I hear it.💞
That is wonderful to hear, Rose! Your video must be precious. Yes, it has just the right cadence – well said. Thank you, Rose.
I love this Jennie especially your wrap 💜💜💜
I’m so glad! 💕 I made the rap during Covid lockdown so children could continue to hear Goodnight Moon. It was fun to make! During the same time I made a YouTube video of me reading a picture and also a chapter in our chapter reading book, every day. Whew! Thank you, Willow. 🥰
You are a great person and a wonderful teacher 💗💗💗
Thank you, Willow. 🥰
This is a wonderful ritual and tradition for the Aqua Roomers. It’s a great book.
Yes, yes!! Thanks o much, Deborah.
You’re welcome! 😊
Such a timeless book.
Yes, indeed.
Jennie!!!!! Your rap was the highlight of my morning! You’ve taken a beloved book to a whole new place and I literally danced in my chair and sang along. Sending love to you…and big, big hugs! 🥰
I’m so glad you liked my rap!!! When Covid hit, I set up a YouTube channel for the class so I could read aloud every day, and more. This rap was done then, and so much fun! Many thanks, and mega hugs! 😍
You have me missing my teaching days, Jennie. When you said you substituted the kids’ names into the story and continued reading, it took me way back. I used to do similar things and the kids loved it. I think it gives them ownership of the story and they become part of the movie they make in their minds as you read. It worked well for me then and I see it works wonderfully for you now.
Also I wanted to add that in the drum/rap version, you got my old spaniel, Emma, barking. She is nearly deaf but still hears low range sounds like knocking and banging, and she certainly reacted to your drum as you read. So you had total participation in your reading of Goodnight Moon.
Beautiful post. Thanks for sharing some of the fun times you have in your class.
And, I have to add one more thing. This post immediately took me back to my own childhood when my mother used to tell me the story of Little Red Riding Hood so many times and I would tell it with her. I might have been about four. She prompted me at the beginning of a line and I would finish it, so I felt as if I were telling the story myself. It was very much like what you did for the little girl who told the Goodnight Moon story with your help.
I’m so glad this resonated with you, Anneli. You said it well; it gives children ownership. Emma listening to the rap must have been really fun to see. Your mother knew that reading a favorite book over and over was more than a joy; it helped you learn how to read. Your lovely comment gave me big smiles here. Thank you, Anneli!
It was a true pleasure to read your post.
Awww… 🥰 I’m so glad. Thank you!
I remember that video and honestly loved it. Goodnight Moon is the greatest. Thanks for sharing, Jennie.
I’m so glad, John. Many thanks!
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Such a great tradition, Jennie. I loved the videos!
Thanks so much, Dan!
Wow! I used to teach Goodnight Moon to my children’s lit college students! Always! I varied everything but that one book. I love how the moon changes and how it tells a pacifist story because the green was unavailable during the war. I recite it from memory as I’m sure you do, and my grandson is getting a dose of it every time I see him although he is still a baby.
What a great story! I feel the same way. I love how she included The Runaway Bunny portrait, and I love how the room slowly darkens as the story goes along. I didn’t know about green not being available in the war. I hope you get to read Goodnight Moon a zillion times to your grandson. 🙂
Thanks so much, Jennie! Yes, the darkening!!!! And the Runaway Bunny which is also such a great story!
Oh yes!!! Big smiles here.
I know a grandson who has two copies of Goodnight Moon. (You are always so thoughtful, Jennie.) The video of Rapper Jennie is a classic. The djembe is such a cool-sounding drum.
Gee, I think I know those two copies. 😍 I remember making the Rapper Jennie video like it was yesterday. We were in the middle of Covid, and trying everything to keep children in school, virtually. It was so much fun! Many thanks, Pete.
It’s a lovely tradition, Jennie. There are so many good reasons for reading aloud.
Thank you, Norah. Yes, there are sooo many good reasons!
Who says reading books is dead – certainly not us! BTW: I LOVE your socks worn during your little cutie student’s recital!
hugs
I wondered if anyone would notice my socks. Teachers gotta have fun, cool socks, right? 😀 And yes, certainly we do love reading books!! Many thanks, Laura.
Book meaning big ocean of knowledge and as well as it is a second friend of everyone it’s like a light in this world
Amazing and inspiring post Jennie. It is so nice to read to children and include their names in the story. Nice videos too. Thanks.
Many thanks, Kamal! 💕
You are always welcome dear Jennie 💖💖
Many thanks, Kamal!
Very creative read alouds, Jennie!
Thank you, Cathy. It’s a timeless book for all the right reasons. The read alouds were fun!
Always welcome Jennie 😊😊
Thank you, Kamal!
Always welcome Jennie 😊
Many thanks, Kamal!
What a wonderful ritual for your little students. It is a reassuring story. As a child I loved the words and repetition of “Good Night Moon,” but the illustrations were disturbing to me. Even as a young child the garish colors and stilted perspective bothered me. I ended up becoming a professional children’s book illustrator as an adult and would love to do the lovely story justice. My mother was an artist and maybe her opinion of the illustrations influenced me more than I realized. I read the story to my kids over and over but didn’t mention my dislike of the illustrations to them so they loved the book in its entirety, garish illustrations and all.
It is truly a wonderful ritual, Dayne. Thank you. Your story is so interesting, as I hadn’t thought about the illustrations being garish. Children’s art is bold, but not art depicted in picture books back then, right?. Maybe your mother’s opinion influenced you. Bravo to you that you read the story to your children without commenting on the illustrations. It’s such a good book.
I loved that book as a kid.
Clever to do it with a drumbeat.
Thank you, Andrew. It’s one of the best books. My kids loved it, too. During Covid all our teaching was on Zoom or YouTube. I had to be creative, and that’s when the drumbeat video was done.
You’re welcome, Jennie.
Oh, this was one of my favorites… so good! Linda xx
Thank you!
so welcome! xx
You are always welcome dear Jennie 💞💞
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My favorite book I used to read to my own children was Goodnight Moon, part of the bedtime ritual. You are too cute rapping with the drum! You remind me of Sheldon Cooper on Big Bang Theory with his bongos!
It’s a perfect bedtime ritual book. Thanks, Karma. I’m glad you enjoyed my rap. I’m happy it reminded you of Sheldon!
Fun videos, love the rap one! 🎶
Thanks, Marcia! 😀
Everytime I see that video of you rapping Good Night Moon, I smile from ear to ear. You really give it all to your aquaroomers and I know they and you love it. I never thought about reading the same book everyday, but it certainly makes sense. We sang the same songs everyday.
I’m so glad the rap gave you smiles! I made the video during Covid when school went virtual. I had to make things fun and creative for the children, especially a book I read every day. You make a good point; if we sing the same song everyday, why not read the same book, especially a classic?