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Be a Good Friend Episodes & Activities:

These episodes and activities show how friendships are tested in everyday life. The situations role-played by the characters give a child the opportunity to evaluate different ways to communicate and resolve problems among friends. Build language skills and self-expression by talking about the importance of showing consideration and respect for friends.

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EPISODE: MY BEST FRIEND

CLIFFORD'S BIG IDEA: BE A GOOD FRIEND*

SYNOPSIS: Emily Elizabeth thinks she must find something "special" for Show and Tell and learns that sometimes the best things in life are right under your nose.

APPLICATION: This episode teaches children that having a best friend is something to be appreciated and that wishing for something someone else has can sometimes keep us from recognizing our own special treasures.

CLIFFORD'S NEW WORD: Friend
What is a friend? It is someone special that you can depend on, trust and have fun with no matter what! A friend likes you because of who you are inside and not for what you look like on the outside.
ACTIVITY: Me and My Best Friend
OBJECTIVE: This activity gives the child an opportunity to improve fine motor skills by creating an original poster. Language skills are expanded through oral communication.
  Materials: Printable Poster, colors
  What to do: Follow the directions under each square to draw pictures about you and your best friend. After you are finished, hang your poster up and let it be a reminder of how much fun you and your special friend have together!
  More dog-gone fun things to do!:
  Share the story about Emily Elizabeth using Clifford for Show and Tell with your family and friends. Print out extra posters so they can create their own best friend poster just like you did!
 

The word friend begins with the letter "F." Have a contest with someone special to find as many things as you can that begin with "F" in and around your house.
You will be amazed! Ready, set, go!

*This episode also supports Clifford's Big idea: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
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EPISODE: FALSE FRIENDS

CLIFFORD'S BIG IDEA:
BE A GOOD FRIEND

SYNOPSIS: Cleo gets a new doggy playground and suddenly Mac is her new best friend! Cleo learns that good friends stick by you through thick and thin.

APPLICATION: This episode teaches children that true friends like us not for what we have, but for our friendship.

CLIFFORD'S NEW WORD: Loyalty
What is loyalty? This means that you are committed, supporting, and faithful to something or someone. Can you think of someone you are loyal to? Maybe it is your entire family, a best friend, or your pet. It is good to be loyal.
ACTIVITY:  Doughy Friends!
OBJECTIVE: This activity gives children an opportunity to identify a loyal friend and make a dough picture frame for a special presentation.
  Materials: Salt Dough recipe, photograph of best friends, paint, small objects, yarn
  What to do: First, have your picture ready. Mix up the Salt Dough recipe. Work the dough while it is soft to be a size larger than your picture. You can work the dough with your hands or a rolling pin. Carefully press your picture into the soft dough (you can use a touch of glue behind the picture). Gently press a small overlap of dough around the edge of picture so it will be secure. You can also decorate your dough frame with objects by softly pressing them into the dough. You might use buttons, noodles, little rocks, or even paint on the frame! Don't forget to make a small whole in the top of your frame before it dries so you can run some yarn through it for hanging. What a special frame for your special loyal friend!
  More dog-gone fun things to do!:
  Draw a picture of you and your most loyal friend!
 
SALT DOUGH RECIPE: 1 cup salt, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 3/4 cup cold water. Method: Combine all ingredients in a double boiler. Cook over medium heat for two or three minutes until it becomes thick. Stir constantly. When the consistency is similar to bread dough, place on wax paper or aluminum foil to cool. When dough is cool enough to handle, knead for several minutes. It is then ready to use. Wrap in wax paper or place in plastic bag. It may be stored for up to several days.
   
 
EPISODE: CIRCUS STARS

CLIFFORD'S BIG IDEA:
BE A GOOD FRIEND

SYNOPSIS: When Gordo the elephant, star of the circus, comes down with an ear infection, Clifford has to step in and take his place. Starstruck Clifford realizes that "stars" are just regular people, too.

APPLICATION: This episode teaches children that big "stars" are regular people, too and they can have the same challenges as everyone else. The characters learn this when they have to come to the rescue of their favorite star Gordo. Helping someone out of a bind is what being a good friend is all about. This loyalty earns all the characters a chance to be in the spotlight!

CLIFFORD'S NEW WORD: Autograph
What is an autograph? It is a personally written signature. This means that someone writes their own name. Whenever you sign your name, you are signing your autograph. An autograph is very unique and special.
ACTIVITY:  Amazing Autographs!
OBJECTIVE: This activity gives children the opportunity to select people they admire and get their autographs to start their own collection.
  Materials: Any small book with blank pages
  What to do: This is a project that you can continue for the rest of your life! It is fun to collect autographs of family members, friends, teachers, celebrities in your own community or even big stars that you may have the opportunity to meet! Just keep your autograph book handy and start collecting. Hey! Someone may want your autograph!
  More dog-gone fun things to do!:
  Use glue to write your name. Pour glitter or sand on the glue. Shake it off and see your autograph!
 

Have fun with sidewalk chalk! Practice writing your name in different ways. How many kinds of letters and pictures can you incorporate into your name?

*This episode also supports Clifford's Big idea: HELP OTHERS
     
 
EPISODE: TO CATCH A BIRD

CLIFFORD'S BIG IDEA:
BE A GOOD FRIEND

SYNOPSIS: When Emily is accused of stealing, the dogs, led by Clifford, take it upon themselves to prove her innocence. Clifford learns the value of having faith in a friend.

APPLICATION: This episode teaches children that having faith in a friend can really be important for everyone. Believing in a friend even when the circumstances tempt us not too, can be a real test of loyalty. Clifford's faith in Emily shows children how one friend's loyalty can make a difference.

CLIFFORD'S NEW WORD: Faith
What is faith? It means having honesty, trust, and loyalty. When you believe in certain persons or things and this gives you faith in them. Name some people you have faith in? Do you have faith in the sun rising tomorrow and the stars shining tonight? Do you have faith in yourself? Yes! When you are confident and believe in someone or something, this gives you faith!
ACTIVITY:  To Feed A Bird!
OBJECTIVE: This activity gives children the opportunity to make their own bird feeder. This can be used promote discovery about local birds and learn about them by being a friendly observer.
Materials: Pinecone, peanut butter, birdseed or small nuts and grain, string
  What to do: The birds around your place are going to love this delicious treat! First, attach your string by tying it around the cone. Coat the pinecone with the peanut butter. Roll the pinecone in birdseed, nuts or grain. Hang your bird feeder outside and watch your feathered friends gather! The cone will soon be bare and you can prepare another feeder!
  More dog-gone fun things to do!:
  Sketch pictures of birds that come to your feeder!
  Bird feeders make great gifts. Create seasonal feeders by painting your cones and adding accessories like red and green colored ribbon for Christmas or colored birdseed to look festive!
     
 
EPISODE: THE BEST PARTY EVER

CLIFFORD'S BIG IDEA:
BE A GOOD FRIEND

SYNOPSIS: After Jetta ridicules Emily for not planning enough exciting activities for her "homemade" birthday party, Emily decides not to invite her, figuring she wouldn't have any fun. But Emily later finds out that Jetta feels left out and demonstrates compassion by inviting her anyway, even managing to incorporate some of Jetta's ideas, thanks to Clifford.

APPLICATION: This episode teaches children that showing compassion toward someone that has hurt our feelings can be a great example of true friendship.

CLIFFORD'S NEW WORD: Compassion
How do we show compassion? We show this special feeling by being kind to someone, especially when they are difficult or have hurt our feelings. You are someone really special when you show compassion for others. Can you think of anyone that has shown compassion to you, even when you did something wrong?
ACTIVITY:  Homemade Invitations
OBJECTIVE: This activity gives children an opportunity to plan a special time with friends and create homemade invitations.
Materials: Printable card, card making supplies; paper of any color, postcard size, smaller or larger. It is up to you! Markers, paint, buttons, ribbon, material, glue, scissors, and envelopes if invitations will be mailed.
  What to do: Friends love getting special invitations! Cut out the printable card and fill in the information for your guests. Place and glue it on your paper and finish decorating each card with your own designs! Hand-deliver or mail your invitations. What a fun invitation for your guests!
  More dog-gone fun things to do!:
  Save and collect invitations you receive from your friends. They make great reading on your walls!
 

Have a card making party for Christmas! Have everyone bring over his or her scraps of paper and card making supplies and create special cards to share during the season!

     
 
EPISODE: CLIFFORD'S BIG SURPRISE

CLIFFORD'S BIG IDEA:
BE A GOOD FRIEND

SYNOPSIS: Clifford wonders why he can't get anyone to play with him, only to happily discover they've been creating a surprise party for his birthday!

APPLICATION: This episode teaches children that we can still have fun playing alone, especially when it seems everyone is too busy to play with us. It also shows children the fun element of surprise and how we can make someone else feel special!

CLIFFORD'S NEW WORD: Surprise
Have you ever been surprised? It is fun and exciting when someone gives you a surprise and makes you feel special. A surprise is something that you didn't expect. It catches you off-guard and unaware! Most surprises are really wild and fun, however they can also be scary! Have you ever surprised someone?
ACTIVITY:  Surprise! Surprise!
OBJECTIVE: This activity gives children the opportunity to prepare a surprise for someone special.
Materials: Paper and tape for Surprise Banner
  What to do: Think of someone that really needs a good surprise! Maybe it is someone in your local nursing home, someone that can't get around well and is home most all of the time, or a friend that just needs cheering up! Prepare something that you think they would enjoy; perhaps a picture you have colored, a yummy cookie recipe, a plant from your yard in a jar, or a song that you could sing just for them! Tape several pieces of paper together to make a long banner. Color and sign your surprise banner and announce yourself with a big "SURPRISE!" You will make someone else feel very special! Guaranteed!
  More dog-gone fun things to do!:
  Surprise someone by doing a good deed for them!
     
 
EPISODE: FORGIVE AND FORGET

CLIFFORD'S BIG IDEA:
BE A GOOD FRIEND

SYNOPSIS: When Clifford forgets a play date, Cleo gets really upset and won't accept Clifford's apologies. But when T-Bone points out to Cleo that she is being unfair to Clifford, Cleo realizes that a good friend forgives a friend's mistakes.

APPLICATION: This episode teaches children that friends need to forgive one another, especially when someone makes a mistake. Learning to give and accept forgiveness is a valuable social skill.

CLIFFORD'S NEW WORD: Forgiveness
What is forgiveness? It is the act of forgiving. We show forgiveness to someone when we are able to let go of anger or hurt toward them. If we can forgive someone, we feel better and so do they! Sometimes it is really hard to forgive and we have to work at it. You can feel good about yourself when you forgive someone. Can you remember a time when you forgave someone for something they did to disappoint or hurt you?
ACTIVITY:  Role-playing Forgiveness
OBJECTIVE: This activity gives children the opportunity to role-play by acting out situations where they show anger and forgiveness toward a friend.
Materials: Episode "Forgive and Forget"
  What to do: Talk about how the characters interacted with each other. Have friends act like Cleo, T-Bone and Clifford. Take turns role-playing the situation. What did the characters teach you? How should you act if someone makes a mistake like Clifford did? What have you learned from the characters?
  More dog-gone fun things to do!:
  If you know someone that has disappointed you and needs forgiving, write them a note or color them a picture. This might help you forgive them and make them feel better at the same time!
 

When you see friends not being forgiving, tell them about this story and share Clifford's feelings with them. Maybe you can help them understand about forgiveness.

     
 
EPISODE: CLIFFORD'S BIG HEART

CLIFFORD'S BIG IDEA:
BE A GOOD FRIEND

SYNOPSIS: Clifford tries hard to find Emily the perfect big, red Valentine only to finally realize that, to Emily, he IS the perfect big, red Valentine.

APPLICATION: This episode teaches children that the best gift we can give someone else is ourselves. We feel important and appreciated when others recognize and affirm what we mean to them. And everyone needs to know they are loved!

CLIFFORD'S NEW WORD: Heart
Whom do you give your heart to? When you love and care for someone it is not hard to show them your special feelings. Giving your heart to someone means that you give them your love and understanding. It is the most special gift in the world!
ACTIVITY: Have a Heart!
OBJECTIVE: This activity gives children the opportunity to create a heart, then identify and present it to someone special.
Materials: Paper, colors, glitter, glue, buttons, ribbon, small decorations
  What to do: Cut out a heart shape on paper, poster board, cardboard, or out of wood if possible. Use your imagination to decorate the heart and create something wonderful to give to someone that you think deserves your special heart. Be sure to sign and date it for them. This will be a heart-felt gift from you that they will keep for many years!
  More dog-gone fun things to do!:
  Collect loose change and make a donation to your American Heart Association. This will make your heart feel good!
 

Nature has many hearts to find! Look outside for any heart shaped leaves, rocks, flower petals, etc. You will be surprised how many hearts Mother Nature has for us to enjoy. All you have to do is look! Start a collection and share your discoveries with your friends!

     
EPISODE: FLUFFED-UP CLEO

CLIFFORD'S BIG IDEA:
BE A GOOD FRIEND

SYNOPSIS: Cleo wins a dog show award and starts bragging constantly. But when Mac brags to her about his award-winning accomplishment, Cleo discovers how boring a braggart can be.

APPLICATION: This episode teaches children that bragging can sometimes be a boring experience. Recognizing this can help us to express the pride we may have for our accomplishments without becoming an annoyance to our friends.

CLIFFORD'S NEW WORD: Congratulations
What does it mean when someone congratulates you? It means good job! Way to go! Have you ever had someone say to you, "congratulations!" for doing your best at something? Can you think of someone that you have congratulated lately? "Congratulations" is a word you most definitely say with excitement and a big smile!
ACTIVITY:  Make a Trophy!
OBJECTIVE: This activity gives children the opportunity to create an original trophy and present it to someone with a big "congratulations!"
Materials: Styrofoam or wood block, pipe cleaners, glue, paper, marker, small pieces of decorations
  What to do: Think of someone that you want to congratulate for something special and make them a personalized trophy! Use your pipe cleaners to form your trophy person or object. Use small pieces of decoration to make your figure more fun and glue it to the foam or wood block. Attach a label to on the front of the block with the person's name and a message of congratulations. Maybe they deserve the "Best Friend" award or "Favorite Neighbor" award. Be sure to sign you work!
  More dog-gone fun things to do!:
  Hey, a trophy can be made from anything! How about gluing interesting things on a paper plate? Sewing supplies, nature objects from outside, candy, or even magazine pictures and words. These all make great trophies!
     
 
EPISODE: BABYSITTER BLUES

CLIFFORD'S BIG IDEA:
BE A GOOD FRIEND*

SYNOPSIS: Mr. Bleakman is ready for a quiet relaxing weekend of oil painting. But a monkey wrench is thrown in the works when he is asked to babysit Clifford for the day. Mr. Bleakman struggles to find a way to keep Clifford out of his way, but soon discovers that the big, red dog has much to teach him about being spontaneous and having fun!
*This episode also supports Clifford's Big Idea: BE KIND
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EPISODE: FRIENDS, MORNING, NOON, AND NIGHT

CLIFFORD'S BIG IDEA: BE A GOOD FRIEND*

SYNOPSIS: Cleo and Clifford are excited to learn that Cleo will be Cliffordπs houseguest for a weekend while her house is being painted! But soon Cleo is filling Cliffordπs doghouse with her stuff, taking over his bed, and butting in on his time alone with Emily Elizabeth. It takes time, but Cleo eventually learns that being a good houseguest means respecting the needs of your host.
*This episode also supports Clifford's Big Idea: HAVE RESPECT
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EPISODE: SATURDAY MORNING

CLIFFORD'S BIG IDEA: BE A GOOD FRIEND

SYNOPSIS: When T-Bone's "special Saturday time" with Sheriff Lewis doesn't turn out the way he expected one week, he goes on a quest to see how others spend their Saturdays. He learns that there are many different ways to spend time with the people you love.
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