Back to School with Bluey: 6 Episodes & Activities for Kindergarten
The start of a new school year is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially for kindergarten and Year 1 students. We’re asking students to adjust to new routines, build friendships, and navigate big feelings, all while settling into a brand-new classroom environment. That’s why I love using Bluey episodes for back to school. This much-loved Australian show has a way of making life lessons feel fun and relatable for young learners. Instead of just telling students about rules, kindness, or teamwork, we can demonstrate these values through the adventures of Bluey and Bingo. Below are 6 of the best Bluey episodes to use in the classroom for Back to School! These episodes align beautifully with the Australian Curriculum v9 (Foundation), particularly the Personal and Social Capability strand, which focuses on building relationships, following rules, and managing emotions.
If you’re looking for even more Back to School ideas, you might like my Back-to-School Printables for the First Week of School!
Back to School with Bluey!
1. Calypso – Rules & Kindness (Season 1, Episode 17)
Why watch:
Teamwork is the heart of any classroom, and Claypso makes it fun. Bluey and her friends at school work together to engage in imaginative play, which is a great way to introduce the idea that everyone’s contribution matters. The perfect back to school episode!
Discussion questions:
– How does Calypso help everyone feel included?
– What rules do the characters follow during play?
– Why are rules important in our classroom?
– What kind actions did you notice?
– What’s one kind thing you can do for a classmate today?
Follow-up ideas:
This is a great episode to start a discussion on friendship and being a good friend. You could invite students to brainstorm ways to be a good friend or complete a Y-chart on how they want the classroom to feel, sound, and look. It’s also a great episode to co-construct rules for play in the classroom.
2. Army – First Day Feelings (Season 2, Episode 16)
Why watch:
The first day of school can bring lots of big feelings, and Army captures that perfectly. Jack feels nervous but learns that friends and teachers are there to help. This episode is perfect for encouraging students to share their own first-day feelings at back to school time and talk about ways to support each other.
Discussion questions:
– How did Jack feel when she first arrived at school?
– Who helped him feel brave?
– Have you ever felt nervous about something new?
– How can we help friends who feel shy?
– What is one thing you’re excited to try at school this week?
Follow-up ideas:
Invite students to draw a picture of how they felt on their first day and create a “Feelings Wall.” You could also pair students up to make “Buddy Cards” to welcome new students throughout the year.
3. Bike – Risk-Taking (Season 1, Episode 11)
Why watch:
Learning something new isn’t always easy, just ask Bluey! In Bike, she struggles at first but keeps trying until she succeeds. This episode is perfect for encouraging perseverance, reminding kids that it’s okay to wobble and fall while learning something new.
Discussion questions:
– What did the characters struggle with in this episode?
– How did they keep trying?
– How did they feel when they couldn’t do what they wanted to do?
– How did they feel when they finally succeeded?
– What is something you want to learn this year?
– How can we help each other when things are hard?
Follow-up ideas:
Create a Bravery Jar where students add ideas of new things they want to try this term. You could also start a growth mindset journal where students draw or write about times they didn’t give up.
4. The Creek – Risk-Taking & Resilience (Season 1, Episode 29)
Why watch:
The Creek is all about stepping outside your comfort zone. At first, Bluey wants to stay in the safety of the playground, but once she takes that first brave step, she discovers a whole new world. It’s a brilliant way to encourage your class to embrace new environments, activities, and challenges at back to school time!
Discussion questions:
– Why didn’t Bluey want to go to the creek at first?
– What helped her feel braver?
– What cool things did she find there?
– What can we say to ourselves when we feel nervous?
– What’s one new thing you want to try this week?
Follow-up ideas:
This is a great opportunity to take your class on a walk around the school, introducing them to the facilities and allowing them to share their observations, just like Bluey. You can also create classroom affirmations to display around the classroom or in a designated spot, such as a classroom mirror or a calm-down space.
5. Libraries – Rules & Expectations (Season 2, Episode 29)
Why watch:
If you want to talk about classroom rules, Libraries is a winner. Muffin’s library adventure demonstrates that rules aren’t about being bossy; they’re about ensuring everyone can enjoy a space safely. It’s a perfect lead-in to creating your classroom’s essential agreement.
Discussion questions:
– What rules did Muffin learn at the library?
– Why do we need rules at school?
– How did Muffin feel when she didn’t follow the rules?
– Which rule do you think is most important?
– How can we remind each other of the rules?
Follow-up ideas:
After watching, try a behaviour sorting activity, comparing positive and negative choices, and then use the ideas to create your own classroom rules. You could also invite students to draw a “rule poster” with a favourite reminder.
6. Grannies – Conflict Resolution (Season 1, Episode 28)
Why watch:
Arguments are normal, but saying sorry and making up is what counts. Grannies show children that friends can disagree, find a solution, and move forward, a great reminder for the early weeks of school when students are learning to share and take turns.
Discussion questions:
– Why did Bluey and Bingo argue?
– How did they fix their disagreement?
– How did they feel after saying sorry?
– What would you have done in their place?
– What’s a kind way to solve problems with friends?
Follow-up ideas:
Have students act out common classroom conflicts and practise kind fixes. This is perfect for after recess and lunch as part of your circle time.
Where to Watch Bluey
- Australia: All episodes are free on ABC iView or Bluey TV
- USA: Stream on Disney+
- UK: Watch on BBC iPlayer, CBeebies, or Disney+.
These back to school Bluey episodes are a fun and engaging way to discuss rules, kindness, teamwork, and perseverance in a way that students can truly understand. With the discussion questions and easy follow-up activities I’ve shared, you can turn a quick 7-minute episode into a meaningful learning moment that helps set the tone for a positive and connected classroom.
If you’re looking for even more Back to School ideas, you might like my Back-to-School Printables for the First Week of School!
Talk soon,
Tess
