These Bluey Activities Help Teachers Build Play and Imagination

If you’ve ever experienced the chaos of a room full of children bickering over whose turn it is, you likely understand why teaching kindness and friendship is essential—and also why it can be quite challenging. Enter Bluey, a show that I initially recognized as a favorite among kids. However, upon closer inspection, I discovered its deeper significance. In 2025, it emerged as the most-watched show in the United States, with an astonishing nearly 40 billion streams. It’s readily accessible on platforms like Disney+, Bluey TV, and YouTube. What truly amazed me wasn’t just its entertainment value, but how effortlessly it imparts lessons on empathy, cooperation, making amends, and being a good friend.

Bluey taps into the fundamental truths that educators understand: play is vital, imagination is essential, and emotions are significant. The titular character, a female blue heeler dog, navigates the ups and downs of family life with authenticity and familiarity. Ordinary situations transform into extraordinary adventures, allowing children to see their own experiences mirrored with warmth and care. As an elementary school teacher, I continuously seek ways to protect the sanctity of play while providing kids with valuable learning opportunities. Therefore, I was thrilled when the BBC Learning Hub and We Are Teachers invited me to review their new Bluey collection. This compilation features 15 free episodes, each accompanied by activities designed to enhance children’s cognitive and emotional development.

5 Great Episodes of Bluey I’ve Used in the Classroom, Plus Activities To Go With Them

1. Watch the “Seesaw” episode to teach about imaginative play.

What it teaches: Many of my kindergartners are eager to engage in imaginative play, yet they often struggle with how to initiate or sustain a game. In kindergarten, free play can sometimes feel overwhelming without a shared concept to guide it. The “Seesaw” episode of Bluey serves as an excellent starting point. The corresponding activities can be found on the BBC Learning Hub, allowing for a seamless transition from viewing to play. In this episode, Bluey and Bingo explore the concept of balance, experience falls, share laughter, and persistently try until they succeed together.

After watching: Children can engage in activities that promote balance and movement, mirroring the trial-and-error approach they witnessed. Observing play unfold in an imperfect manner encourages children to feel more comfortable in trying it themselves.

Bluey touches on almost all of the core elements of resilience: trusting relationships, emotional communication, problem-solving, self-regulation, empathy. (Science Alert)

2. Try the “Asparagus” episode to get kids talking about manners and why they matter.

What it teaches: One of the reasons Bluey fits seamlessly into the educational environment is the brevity of each episode. They are short enough to capture attention yet impactful enough to resonate with children long after viewing. The “Asparagus” episode is a prime example. Bluey understands the importance of manners, but when magical asparagus comes into play, chaos ensues. Kids readily identify with that chaotic feeling.

After watching: This activity provides a fun way for kids to practice good manners and consider the impact of their choices on others. Activities like pretending to be manners detectives or acting out various responses allow children to explore themes of kindness and patience through play.

3. Share the “Let’s Get Ice Cream” episode for teaching about managing let-downs.

What it teaches: Play doesn’t always go as planned, which can be tough for young children. In the “Let’s Get Ice Cream” episode, Bluey and Bingo become so fixated on fairness that they end up circling each other instead of enjoying their ice cream. By the time they realize this, both of their ice creams have melted. When Dad refuses to buy them new ones, and only has one spoon to share, the children immediately relate to the feelings of frustration and disappointment that arise from wanting everything to be fair.

After watching: Kids can practice sharing and fairness through playful scenarios and simple decision-making. Engaging in sharing materials and discussing the difference between fair and equal provides a safe environment for children to navigate their emotions while staying connected.

Play can facilitate genuine growth—socially, emotionally, developmentally. (The Guardian)

4. Check out the “Faceytalk” episode for talking about patience and growth mindset.

What it teaches: Free play can be particularly challenging for children who seek clear instructions or instant success. When things don’t work out right away, feelings of frustration can set in. The “Faceytalk” episode illustrates this sentiment perfectly. Muffin is determined to finish her drawing of a cowboy hat, refusing to let Socks take a turn. What begins as excitement quickly devolves into frustration as Muffin monopolizes the screen space.

After watching: The “Faceytalk” activity allows kids to practice sharing and turn-taking through play. Collaborating on drawings, passing control, and ensuring everyone has a chance to participate fosters a sense of kindness and consideration that keeps play progressing.

5. Teaching about effort and self-acceptance is easier with the “It’s a Baby Race” episode.

What it teaches: Children often find themselves comparing their abilities to those of their peers—even at a young age. The “It’s a Baby Race” episode of Bluey captures this feeling with gentleness and reassurance. Bluey grapples with self-doubt, questioning if she is better than others. Mum encourages her to “run your own race.” Flashbacks show Bluey and Judo’s unique developmental journeys, illustrating that everyone progresses at their own pace. Children relate to the pressure of keeping up, while also finding comfort in the realization that they are not obligated to match others’ speed.

After watching: The “Baby Race” activity invites kids to explore effort, encouragement, and personal pace. Engaging in different movement paths, tracing lines, and cheering for one another nurtures a supportive atmosphere where children can discuss growth and celebrate progress together.

Why Bluey Belongs in Classrooms

Ultimately, the real strength of Bluey in the classroom lies not only in its popularity among children but also in the inherent lessons within its narratives. The episodes provide students with a shared context for discussion, relatable characters, and a low-pressure platform to explore complex themes like fairness, empathy, frustration, and reconciliation. Rather than starting from scratch or delivering lectures on “being kind,” educators can reference specific moments from an episode and pose the question, What would you do? This approach makes the conversation feel genuine.

The accompanying activities enhance the learning experience, transforming brief, familiar stories into insightful discussions, play, and reflection without detracting from the joy of learning. When the concepts of friendship and kindness seem daunting or abstract, Bluey makes these skills tangible, relatable, and achievable.

If Bluey is already part of your classroom environment and conversations, the BBC Learning Hub serves as the ideal complement. It offers a collection of Bluey activities, ideas, and playful experiences tailored to align with the way young children learn best. Whether you seek inspiration for imaginative play, a shared experience to discuss emotions, or a gentle means to foster connections through play, the Bluey partner site on the BBC Learning Hub provides an accessible resource.