Blue's Clues

What It's All About

The stars of the show are Blue, an animated, long-eared puppy and Joe, the energetic adult host. If you happen to catch an older episode, the host is Steve. Each episode features a puzzle that viewers must solve. Joe leads the young viewers on a search for blue paw prints. These prints are Blue's clues to solving the mystery. At the end of the show, Joe and the viewers put the three clues together to solve the puzzle. Joe and Blue have many friends who appear periodically throughout the show.

What Does Blue's Clues Teach?

Like most Nick Jr. shows, Blue's Clues has been carefully researched and is designed to speak directly to preschoolers. The show teaches a wide variety of things, some educational and some social. According to the website, the shows progress each week, getting more difficult with each day. This is designed to both challenge children and boost their self esteem.

Observation

Preschoolers must constantly be on the lookout for blue paw prints. They are always hidden and could show up anywhere! Viewers do take an active role in finding the paw prints. Most kids delight in screaming out, "There it is!"

Problem Solving

Preschoolers carefully analyze each clue and think about how they fit together. Only by piecing the clues together can they solve the puzzle and Blue's problem. Since the problems are designed to be solvable, these accomplishments help build kids' self confidence. They also help empower kids to solve problems in their own lives.

Social Skills

Every episode models proper social interaction for kids. The characters on the show are polite and considerate of each other. Sometimes Joe stops to ask the audience questions like, "How do you think that made her feel?" This helps build sensitivity and empathy. In addition to the regular daily interactions, some episodes are specifically geared towards social skills. Some issues that have been addressed are:

• Dealing with anger
• Dealing with disappointment
• Dealing with rejection
• Making new friends
• Meeting neighbors
• Feeling sad
• Being shy

Languages

Although it is subtle, every episode includes some sign language. Joe consistently signs "thank you" and "smart." Other signs are thrown in sporadically. While this exposure will not teach kids fluent sign language, it does make them aware of non-verbal communication. Even preverbal kids can often pick up sign language.

Blue Online

NickJr.com is the online home of the entire Nick Jr. lineup. The site offers information about the show and a message board. It also offers many activities, including:

• Coloring sheets
• Printable activities
• Rhyming storybook
• Games
• E-cards
• Recipes
• Crafts

Blue's Clues Merchandise

Like other popular kids' television characters, Blue and her friends are popular themes for merchandise such as:

• Birthday Party Supplies
• Books
• Clothing
• Toys
• Stuffed Animals
• Games
• Toddler Bedding
• Kids' Bedding
• Room Decor
• Kids' Furniture
• Videos

Blue's Clues merchandise is available at department stores, book stores, toy stores, clothing stores, and some grocery stores. It is also widely available online, including the Nick Jr. Boutique.

Kids and Television

The jury is still out as to whether young children should watch television at all. Even most experts who condone television for young viewers recommend limiting the amount of time kids spend in front of the set. If you decide to allow your children to watch television, educational shows are probably much better choices than passive entertainment.