Final answer:
Preschool children at the age of four are beginning to evaluate their physical and cognitive competence as well as their social competence. They are learning to interact, cooperate, and develop autonomy. Support from parents and teachers by encouraging independence and decision-making helps build a solid foundation for their self-concept.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aspects of Self-Concept Development in Preschool Children
By the age of four, preschool children begin to make evaluative judgments about two different aspects of themselves. The first aspect is their physical and cognitive competence, such as their ability to run, jump, count, and the understanding of their gender roles. The second aspect is their social competence, which includes their ability to interact with others, share, cooperate, and develop feelings of autonomy. As they progress in their early childhood, they continue to explore and learn, developing a more solid sense of self that contributes to their overall sense of well-being and confidence.
During this important developmental stage, children learn to master the task of initiative versus guilt, as described by Erikson's psychosocial stages. Parents and teachers can support a child's developing self-concept by encouraging independence, offering praise for achievements, and enabling them to resolve conflicts and make decisions on their own within a supportive environment. This builds a foundation for a positive self-concept that will continue to evolve as they grow older.