View, Do and Read

Clifford gives kids some good ideas
By Jessica L. Taylor

This month, encourage your child to join their furry, red friend Clifford as he goes on many different adventures.

In the animated series Clifford, The Big Red Dog, which airs weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and Sundays at 8:30 a.m. on WHYY TV12, the characters follow "Clifford's Big Ideas" -- positive character traits that represent the social and emotional challenges that all children face. These traits, such as being a good friend, having respect for others and playing fair, are ones that children need to learn for personal growth and development.

Each episode illustrates one or more of these 10 principles and concludes with a short vignette featuring Clifford and his friends modeling (or trying to model!) one of the "Big Ideas."

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In the first of seven brand-new episodes of Clifford, The Big Red Dog, which begin airing Monday, February 17, Clifford entertains Cleo during a rainstorm, teaching children how to "Be a Good Friend."

There are many activities that you can do with your child to help encourage him or her to follow the "Big Ideas" featured on Clifford, The Big Red Dog. Here are some suggestions to get your child to think about and discuss what he or she has seen on the show.

Clifford Cookies These red sugar cookies are a sweet treat that you and your child can make for any occasion. Following a recipe helps develop your child's math, reading and language skills and physical and motor skills.

Simple Sugar Cookie Recipe

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup melted butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assorted candies or sprinkles

To make red icing, mix several drops of red food dye with a container of vanilla icing.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour and confectioners' sugar. Stir in the melted butter, egg and vanilla until well blended. Cover, and refrigerate dough for at least two hours. Preheat oven to 350*F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll the dough on a lightly-floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Have your child choose his or her favorite cookie cutters and cut the dough. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

With red icing and sprinkles, help your child decorate the cookies, and enjoy them together with a glass of milk.

Surf the Web with Clifford and friends Visit www.pbskids.org/clifford for all sorts of fun and games. You and your child can play online games such as "T-Bone's Town" or "Cleo Shares." Your child can even make and send postcards online!

Be sure to check out the "printables" section of the Web site for many different pictures of Clifford and his friends that your child will be able to color. Children can make a Clifford Portfolio for all of these printouts. Simply have them decorate a paper folder with red paper, buttons and other materials. This folder can be used to keep all of your child's colored pictures safe and sound -- after they are done hanging on the refrigerator!

Read

The Clifford TV series is based on the popular books by Norman Bridwell. Here are a few to get you started, but be sure to check your local library or bookstore for more Clifford favorites:

Clifford the Big Red Dog In the book that started it all, little Emily Elizabeth describes the different activities she does with her big red dog named Clifford, and more importantly, describes how they take care of each other. Recommended for preschool-aged children.

Clifford's Valentines It's Valentine's Day and Clifford receives Valentines from many friends. Find out how Clifford gives everyone a very special Valentine in return. Recommended for school-aged children.