To foster individual development, educators must seek the gifts in every child, in those not demonstrating academic abilities as well as in the most brilliant. Instead of stifling thinking, creativity, and interest development, educators must encourage these behaviors. Currently, a big discrepancy exists between the child's potential and what…

This review of research on the development of self-concept in young children defines and differentiates the various dimensions of self-concept; notes problems associated with measuring self-concept; comments on the relationship between cognitive development and self-concept, and discusses external factors related to self-concept development. (BB)