And we keep growing into teenagers. Then adults. And we continue changing our whole lives. Our hair grows and falls out and more grows without us even noticing. We get a whole new set of teeth. Everything changes. So if every part of us gets replaced too, Like Dave's ship, then that raises a big question.' Dave’s wife struggles to accept that the metal ship is still Dave’s ship and things become even more complicated when George arrives in a wooden ship, also called ‘Theseus!’ So which of the two ships is the 'Theseus' - one of them, both of them...or none of them? Dave owns a wooden ship called the Theseus And that's Dave's wife - she doesn't like goodbyes. Dave and his crew...'

An exploration of the concept of identity using the story of the Ship of Theseus, made famous by British philosopher Thomas Hobbes. The main character looks a similar age to the children in my class, so his picture on the front cover meant they could connect with the book immediately. The character and colourful text makes it an eye-catching choice, causing Noah to comment on the sparkly letters on the cover.Which ship is the Theseus? Now, this is all very well with ancient ships and what not but what happens if we think about something a little closer to home? Like, I don't know? You! You see, like Dave's ship, our bodies change and grow throughout our lives. We're born. 'We grow up into toddlers.' This book is extra special, as it is written by Ben Faulks, otherwise known as CBeebies’ Mr Bloom. This fact alone caused a lot of conversation about who he is and why he has two names. And each time the ship gets damaged... More metal parts are added and so on and so on. Until, eventually, every part of the Theseus has been replaced. The ship is now entirely metal. Inside and out. When Dave gets home, his wife...'

Help me to accept and embrace the differences within myself as I grow older and change both physically and spiritually. A funny and thought-provoking look at what makes us us, from Ben Faulks (known as Mr Bloom from CBeebies) and David Tazzyman (bestselling illustrator of You Can't Take an Elephant on the Bus). Guaranteed to feed the imagination, this celebration of being who we are is perfect for inquisitive (and inventive!) little minds. Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)? The title, front-cover illustrations and colours made it very easy to engage the children’s interest. Preston said “I like scratching like a dinosaur”, encouraging Joe to be more specific and realise: “I can be like a T-Rex and stretch up tall.”Since completing my last book review for Tes, I have moved schools and begun a new autumn term with nearly 60 early years foundation stage (EYFS) children. Stories and picture books always play a key part in an EYFS classroom, so the Ladybird and Bumblebee classes were very excited to get the chance to give their thoughts on What Makes Me a Me? Who am I? I ask myself. What makes me a ME? I think hard with all my might, And look around to see. The conversation continued with Millie adding that she runs like a fast dinosaur, but isn’t so tall. You could choose to pause the video at these times for a short discussion, or alternatively, watch the video through once and then stop at the questions the second time through, or pose the questions after the first viewing. Pupils could sit in a circle and start a discussion using the questions provided at the end of each part, or you could work with the children to create your own questions.

Everyone was keen to spot characteristics that they shared with other people. Josie said: “I’m like a baker when I cook.” The story tells us that the main character doesn’t have an on-off switch, and this led us all to try acting like toys that can be turned off. The children had great fun with me and a pretend remote control, making choices for when they could start and stop me.

More clips from What Makes Me, Me? And Other Interesting Questions

What Makes Me a Me?” immediately pulls the reader in with its cute beanie-hatted be-spectacled character and the tactile title in glittery letters. This is basically a story about identity, in which the character compares himself to a range of animals, inanimate objects and even the naughty boy next door, concluding that, whilst there are some similarities, he is nothing like any of these and that “everybody’s different in their own special way”. In a diverse world it is good to recognise and celebrate uniqueness, and this book would make a good starting point for discussions with children about similarities and differences in race and culture. Lucy said “I am a bit like my friend”, which prompted Harry to add: “I am a bit like my friend because we are both kind.” As the children enter play your chosen song to sow seeds in the children’s minds - eg ‘Beautiful’ (Christina Aguilera) or ‘Go the distance’ (Hercules) . Display the question image ‘What makes me, me?’

Harry said “I can stomp like a dinosaur, but I am not scary”, prompting a lot of stomping from everyone. Further questions could include: ‘What is it that makes the Theseus the Theseus?’ at the end of part 2. And ‘If you could make a clone of yourself, would the clone also possess your thoughts and memories?’ at the end of part 3. This PowerPoint will help children to talk about difference positively and respectfully, focusing on all the wonderful things that make each person special and unique. Use this great resource alongside the Twinkl Originals book ' We Are All Different' or as part of your 'All About Me' topic. Take a look at the full range of additional resources to support this book, such as these We Are All Different Discussion Cards.

Stomping like a dinosaur

When I asked the class, we were nearly all in agreement that we were pleased this book is now in our book box. Use this PowerPoint as a great discussion tool to get children thinking and talking about all the wonderful ways in which we are different. This teaching presentation is great for providing children with the vocabulary they need to talk about the similarities and differences between themselves and others, such as words linked to eyes, hair, skin, families, hobbies and more. Summary: This assembly explores an intriguing philosophical question and is suitable for any time of year. However, its themes of change and transition make it particularly suitable for the summer term before children move into the next year group or, in the case of Year 6, before they move to new schools. The philosophical question explored in the story was posed by the British philosopher Thomas Hobbes . Dave sails in his wooden ship, the ‘Theseus’. The ship needs numerous repairs at George’s Shipyard where George replaces the old wooden pieces with metal ones, until by the end of the voyage the 'Theseus' is entirely made of metal.