Clifford the Big Red Dog - Best Paw Forward (S1E57)
| Runtime (min) | 15 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2001-07-17 |
| Genres | Animation, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-Y |
Storyline
In this heartwarming episode of 'Clifford the Big Red Dog', Emily Elizabeth and Clifford embark on a mission to help their friends. When a school project challenges them to showcase their best qualities, Clifford worries that he doesn’t have any special skills to contribute. Determined to support his friends, Clifford sets out to discover what he can do to shine.
As Clifford explores various activities, he learns that being a good friend and showing kindness can be just as valuable as any talent. Through teamwork and encouragement from Emily and his pals, Clifford finds his unique strengths, ultimately revealing that his biggest asset is his big heart. This episode beautifully showcases the importance of self-acceptance and the value of friendship.
What Parents Say
Parents appreciate how 'Best Paw Forward' emphasizes themes of self-discovery and kindness. The episode skillfully illustrates that everyone has unique strengths, even if they are not immediately apparent. Viewers can see Clifford’s journey as a way to teach children that it's okay to feel unsure about their own abilities, and that support from friends can help to uncover hidden talents.
This episode also encourages open discussions about self-esteem. As Clifford grapples with his insecurities, children can relate to his experience, making it an excellent opportunity for parents to talk to their kids about their feelings and the value of friendship. The show’s gentle approach to these topics ensures that kids feel uplifted and inspired.
What Children Can Learn
In 'Best Paw Forward', kids learn that everyone has their own unique qualities and that it's important to embrace them. Clifford’s journey teaches children that talents come in many forms, and sometimes the best things we can offer are our kindness and support to others. This message is especially relevant in a world where comparisons can be daunting.
The episode also highlights the significance of teamwork. As Clifford collaborates with Emily and his friends, young viewers understand the power of working together and how everyone can contribute in their own way. This cooperation reinforces the idea that friendships thrive on mutual support and acknowledgment of each other's strengths.
Five Most Asked Questions
Curious about 'Best Paw Forward'? Here are some common questions parents might have about this delightful episode featuring Clifford and his friends.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the main message of this episode? | The main message of 'Best Paw Forward' revolves around self-acceptance and the idea that everyone has unique strengths. Clifford initially doubts his abilities, but through his journey, he learns that kindness and being a supportive friend are incredibly valuable. This lesson resonates with children, encouraging them to embrace their individuality. |
| How does Clifford's character develop in this episode? | Clifford experiences significant character growth in 'Best Paw Forward'. He begins feeling insecure about not having a special talent but evolves to understand that his greatest asset is his big heart and willingness to help others. This development teaches kids that personal growth often comes from overcoming self-doubt. |
| Are there educational themes present in the episode? | Yes, the episode incorporates several educational themes, including self-discovery, teamwork, and the importance of friendship. As Clifford learns to appreciate his own qualities, children are encouraged to recognize their strengths and understand the value of collaborating with others to achieve common goals. |
| How can parents engage their children after watching? | Parents can engage their children by discussing the episode's themes and asking questions about their own strengths and talents. Encouraging kids to share their feelings about self-esteem and friendship can foster open communication. Activities like drawing their favorite moments from the episode can also reinforce the lessons learned. |
| What role do Emily Elizabeth and Clifford’s friends play in the story? | Emily Elizabeth and Clifford’s friends play a crucial role in the story by providing support and encouragement. They help Clifford realize that everyone has something valuable to offer. Their teamwork showcases how friends can uplift one another, emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration in overcoming challenges. |
Cast
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Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | My Best Friend - Believe in yourself Emily decides that she must find something "special" for Show and Tell. But after an exhaustive search of Birdwell Island for the perfect thing to share, Emily learns that sometimes the best things in life are right under your nose. |
| 1 | 2 | Cleo doesn't want to share her new toy with anyone. |
| 1 | 3 | Clifford accidentally breaks a present he was supposed to deliver for Emily. |
| 1 | 4 | Clifford tries to stay clean for a magazine's Dog of the Year contest. |
| 1 | 5 | Emily has to take care of a baby bird, leaving her little time to play with Clifford. |
| 1 | 6 | Emily is jealous when Jetta gets to visit an exciting city. |
| 1 | 7 | Everyone, including Clifford, must work as a team to put on the fall carnival. |
| 1 | 8 | Emily's cousin Laura and her dog, Rex, arrive for a visit. |
| 1 | 9 | T-Bone finds himself in a race against Mac. |
| 1 | 10 | When the dogs eat too many treats, they learn that too much of a good thing can be bad. |
| 1 | 11 | In a flashback story, Cleo shakes things up when she arrives on the island. |
| 1 | 12 | When Cleo makes a new friend, she starts ignoring Clifford and T-Bone. |
| 1 | 13 | Emily competes against Jetta for the lead in the school play. |
| 1 | 14 | Clifford itches like crazy but hides his discomfort to avoid a trip to the doctor. |
| 1 | 15 | The new dog in town has only three legs, which makes the gang uncomfortable. |
| 1 | 16 | Clifford's digging talents become an asset when a big storm blows in. |
| 1 | 17 | Clifford learns that stars, like everyone else, sometimes need help. |
| 1 | 18 | Cleo develops stage fright when the dogs are recruited to help with a show. |
| 1 | 19 | All fingers and paws point to Emily as the thief when Jetta's trophy and locket vanish. |
| 1 | 20 | Jetta mocks Emily's plans for her birthday party activities. |
| 1 | 21 | When Mac tears one of Jetta's sweaters, he feels terrible about it and runs away. |
| 1 | 22 | Jetta learns that it's OK to have fears and admit them. |
| 1 | 23 | In flashbacks, Emily meets Clifford, and her love turns him into the biggest dog around. |
| 1 | 24 | Clifford has to dispel preconceived ideas about large dogs. |
| 1 | 25 | |
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| 1 | 27 | Clifford jumps into a pile of leaves that T-Bone has raked, and when they scatter he has a lesson to learn; Charley finally finds a sport he can't master, “jiggly juggle,” but he decides to work at it anyway. |
| 1 | 28 | |
| 1 | 29 | The dogs go to school for the first time, and T-Bone worries that he won't be able to keep up; the library sponsors an essay contest called “Islander of the Year.” Guess who it is? |
| 1 | 30 | |
| 1 | 31 | T-Bone's not looking forward to the town celebration because he's afraid of loud noises; nobody will play with Clifford because they're too busy planning a surprise party for him. |
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| 1 | 35 | Mac starts an “exclusive” club (he wants to exclude T-Bone); Mr. Bleekman wants to exclude dogs from the park, but he finds that he misses them when they're gone. |
| 1 | 36 | |
| 1 | 37 | Cleo is voted Fluffiest Dog of Birdwell Island and can't stop bragging about it; Jetta tells Vaz that he's bad at soccer, which prompts him to stop playing. |
| 1 | 38 | |
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| 1 | 41 | Clifford and Cleo think that T-Bone is moving; the dogs are upset with the arrival of cats, but then they learn that different isn't necessarily bad. |
| 1 | 42 | |
| 1 | 43 | Clifford misses Emily when she goes on a trip, so his friends try to make up for it; Charley wants to lead a chore-free dog's life. |
| 1 | 44 | |
| 1 | 45 | T-Bone falls in love. Meanwhile, Clifford tries to make the perfect Valentine for Emily. |
| 1 | 46 | |
| 1 | 47 | Cleo is jealous of her owner's sister's dog, Susie. Also: it's role-reversal time: Clifford, Cleo and T-Bone take care of a pet. |
| 1 | 48 | |
| 1 | 49 | T-Bone gets a new sweater but learns that “Clothes Don't Make the Dog”; Emily thinks Clifford is neglecting her. |
| 1 | 50 | |
| 1 | 51 | T-Bone eats Cleo's new dog food then lies about it; Charley and Emily have an ice-cream party when Charley's father is away. |
| 1 | 52 | |
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| 1 | 59 | While her house is being painted, Cleo stays with Clifford---and takes over; the dogs try to get grumpy Mr. Bleakman to brighten up, and find that their good deeds make them feel good, too. |
| 1 | 60 | |
| 1 | 61 | Clifford and the other dogs pitch in with the “Keep Birdwell Island Beautiful” effort by planting a flower garden. Except for Cleo. She wants to plant a dog-toy garden for herself. Then the dogs find the long-buried trunk of the island's discoverer, Captain Birdwell. But Jetta is given credit for the find. Will she tell the truth? Voice of Clifford: John Ritter. |
| 1 | 62 | |
| 1 | 63 | In a flashback sequence, the Howards arrive on Birdwell Island, and their new neighbors join in welcoming a very big newcomer. Then Jetta breaks a beach date with Emily Elizabeth because she has received a “better offer” from an older girl. |
| 1 | 64 | |
| 1 | 65 | Clifford gets a really big case of the hiccups and his friends have a big job helping him get rid of them; Jetta throws a movie party, but all she shows are home movies of herself. |
| 1 | 66 | |
| 1 | 67 | Clifford cleans out his doghouse but can't throw things away because each item holds a memory. Also, Jetta has a new baby brother, but that means that she no longer gets all the attention. |
| 1 | 68 | |
| 1 | 69 | Jetta's envious of Emily Elizabeth because everybody loves her pet, Clifford. So she makes up a pet of her own. Then Cleo helps Vaz with his paper route. She likes helping him and she likes the treats she gets as a reward. In fact, she mostly likes the treats. |
| 1 | 70 | |
| 1 | 71 | Clifford and Emily Elizabeth try to get Mr. Bleakman (voice of Earl Boen), a notorious party pooper, to attend the Howards' party; Emily Elizabeth writes a poem for her mother's birthday, but Jetta thinks it's not a good gift. |
| 1 | 72 | |
| 1 | 73 | K.C. returns for a visit and Cleo's so excited that she forgets her other friends. Also, rain threatens the back-to-school barbecue and Mac is so disappointed that his friends try to stop the rain. |
| 1 | 74 | |
| 1 | 75 | It's Topsy Turvy Day, so Jetta and Emily “trade” dogs. Then Clifford is told to polish his manners for Mrs. Bleakman's book-club party. Voice of Mrs. Bleakman: Edie McClurg. |
| 1 | 76 | |
| 1 | 77 | Clifford forgets a play date with Cleo, who accuses him of abusing her friendship; Cleo teases T-bone because he's smitten with a visiting dog named Mimi. |
| 1 | 78 | |
| 1 | 79 | Cleo borrows Clifford's favorite blanket and carelessly gets it dirty; the dogs dig for dinosaur bones as part of a friend's college project. |
| 1 | 80 |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Cleo Pretends to hurt herself so she won't have to embarrass herself on the ice rink. But with the help of Clifford and his friends, they help her understand that trying new things with your friends is fun. |
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| 2 | 35 | Emily Elizabeth and Jetta try to get Charley to honor his promises; Cleo runs away to avoid taking a bath. |
| 2 | 36 | |
| 2 | 37 | When Cleo's bored by the rain, Clifford gets her to imagine an exciting story; a power failure threatens Birdwell Island, but Clifford and Mr. Bleakman save the day. |
| 2 | 38 | |
| 2 | 39 | |
| 2 | 40 | |
| 2 | 41 | A visiting dog tries to lead Clifford astray, but he learns to stand up for his beliefs; the kids wonder if marriage will change their teacher. |
| 2 | 42 | |
| 2 | 43 | Ads for a new dog food influence Clifford and his friends; news of an old buddy's upcoming visit makes T-Bone recall his days as a puppy. |
| 2 | 44 | |
| 2 | 45 | Clifford accidentally bathes in dye and then tries to hide the fact; Mary's afraid to perform in front of an audience, but is helped by Emily. |
| 2 | 46 | |
| 2 | 47 | T-Bone puts together a pop band that Mac would like to join; a dog champion comes to Birdwell Island and all the dogs want to impress him. |
| 2 | 48 | |
| 2 | 49 | A very small dog named Frankie envies Clifford being big; T-Bone and Clifford have to adjust to their differences in size. |
| 2 | 50 |
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