Blue's Clues

YMA recommendation

Approved as non-violent media

Most suitable age range:

2-4

Availability

At time of review, screening on video.

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About the program

Year of production	1996 - Ongoing
Classification advice
Rating	G
Consumer advice lines	None
Duration	30 minutes

Other information
Country of origin	USA
Production Company	Paramount

Synopsis

Blue is a playful, friendly, puppy who leaves paw-print clues on various items to help Steve / Joe and viewers figure out what it is that she wants to do. By writing down the clues in a handy dandy notebook we are able to revisit previous clues while attempting to link them to the ones just found until they are deciphered and we have worked out what Blues’ Clues mean.

Points to consider

Words of caution

None

Positive aspects

Helps promote thinking skills such as emerging literacy, problem solving and visual perception.
Helps develop self-expression
Celebrates diversity
Encourages pride and self –esteem.
Certain episodes, such as when Steve prepares for college, go even further and help preschoolers understand new places as well as learn useful strategies for dealing with separation.

Questions to ask

Is there any other conclusion that the clues could have lead to?
Children might like to create their own clues leading to something they’d like to do or try. This can help build an increased awareness of the relationships between what might, at first, appear to be very different things.