The areas of curriculum development and educational goals developed for the acclaimed Clifford the Big Red Dog animated series present social, emotional and moral messages for young children, ages 3-7. The academic focus is structured so that teachers, parents, and caregivers can share meaningful life lessons designed to help young children navigate their world and become a part of an ever-expanding community.

This series is based on the principles developed in the Heartwood Curriculum, which uses quality literature to teach moral and ethical judgment, along with NAEYC's (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs. The goals of the series are:

• To encourage children to learn about feelings and how to deal with them by modeling how people express and cope with their feelings and empathize with others.
• To encourage children to learn about the social world by modeling relationships in which people respect each other, cooperate and resolve conflicts as they play and work together.
• To support children's growing understanding that the actions they choose make a difference to themselves and others.
• To show a diverse community of people, who differ in appearance, behavior, or point of view while playing and working together, and making and sharing friendships.

Ideas for Viewing and Using the Program in a Classroom Setting

Both television series, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Clifford's Puppy Days, are based on the beloved series of Clifford books written by Norman Bridwell. Each half-hour episode contains two 11-minute stories that center around one or more of Clifford's Big Ideas, representing ten social and emotional challenges that young children face as they grow and develop.

Each episode, interactive online and offline activity, and fun printable supports Clifford's mission to learn about his world, while being a positive role model for his young fans. Age-appropriate social and moral behavior is presented in Clifford's Big Ideas:

• Share
• Play Fair
• Have Respect
• Work Together
• Be Responsible
• Be Truthful
• Believe in Yourself
• Be a Good Friend
• Help Others

Throughout the series, Clifford's Big Ideas are introduced and reinforced by different characters and through different scenarios and character experiences. Use the following ideas to encourage students to learn and grow along with Clifford and his special friends:

• Ask students to predict what each show might be about by previewing the show's title. Be sure to give students opportunities to evaluate personal predictions and perspectives after watching each episode.
• Help students identify with the characters as they interact with their family and friends and discuss how characters react to and handle situations.
• Read and discuss suggested English and bilingual books.
• Check for understanding of basic themes and concepts by asking questions using conversational English or own native language.
• Encourage students to draw a picture of characters and objects from each show.
• Develop speaking and listening skills by encouraging students to talk about the characters, their actions, and the events within each show.

Ideas for Using the Companion Web Site in a Classroom Setting

Using Clifford the Big Red Dog and Clifford's Puppy Days' episodes and corresponding activities and content in the classroom delivers a rich language experience to students and becomes a comprehensive learning cycle for teachers, making every teachable moment count! For every on-air Clifford the Big Red Dog and Clifford's Puppy Days' episode, supporting interactive and offline activities and fun printables are offered that expand on specific curriculum goals to creatively help educators extend learning opportunities for young learners. Each episode introduces and addresses language, literacy, social, and emotional skills, and sets a good example for positive interaction that fosters good relationships between family and friends. Check out the abundance of resources today!

Resources for Parents & Teachers

The Parents & Teachers area presents parents, teachers, and caregivers resources, links, and easy access to everything Clifford the Big Red Dog has to offer for building language, literacy, social, and emotional skills.

• Offline Activities
  Take learning with Clifford and his friends to new heights! Every one of Clifford's episodes are linked to fun offline activities, created for the purpose of extending curriculum goals and building concepts supporting Clifford's Big Ideas. Each activity page is presented in an easy-to-follow and time-efficient format, including Clifford's selected Big Idea, activity age-range, subject-area skills, and related books, followed by materials needed, directions, follow up and extension ideas.
• Guide to Online Activities
  Learn more about each online activity on the site and how you can make the most of it with your students.
• TV Schedule
  Your local TV Schedule, episode descriptions, and more viewing tips can help you plan for showing the program in your classroom.

Online Interactives for kids and adults

Explore all the fun activities the Clifford the Big Red Dog site has to offer!

• Games
  Let's Play! Explore animated games like Measuring Up, Puppy Letters, or Cleo Shares, make a postcard, and experience interacting Clifford and his friends in this learning, literacy-rich environment. (Please note that Flash player is required to experience much of the interactive content offered.)
• Stories
  Let's Read! Build important language and literacy skills by reading along with interactive Clifford stories like Leaf of Absence, The Runaway Rabbit, and Tummy Trouble. It's the perfect way to grow in language and literacy while having fun with Birdwell Island's most exciting big red dog!
• Printables
  Let's Color! Click and print Clifford coloring pages and creative activities! Print out a Talent Award certificate or learn how to draw Clifford. There's never a dull moment when it comes to enjoying time with Clifford and friends.
• Friends
  Choose a friend! This is the place to play with Emily Elizabeth, enjoy a Clifford slide, read an exciting Clicktale, print out a fun coloring page, make a postcard, or enjoy an interactive story with the world's most loveable and entertaining big red dog!
• Backstage
  Take a Tour! No ticket needed here to explore what happens on the set of Clifford's television show. Tour the studio, meet the show cast and read about show actors such as the late and beloved John Ritter (Clifford's former character voice). And there's more...draw Clifford and have fun with other offline drawing and printing activities like sketching and connect-the-dots.

It's all right here when it comes to using Clifford in the classroom and learning environment! By incorporating Clifford's creative and abundant online and offline games and activities, fun printables, and countless opportunities for academic and social growth, young learners will be inspired, engaged in the learning process, and better empowered to become the best that they can be!

Published: February 2005

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