Adopting a design-based research design, this study examines the potential of advanced symbolic play with young students entering the French immersion program (ages 5 and 6) for second language acquisition. First grade students (n = 36) from two intact classes and their teachers participated in this research. They were observed in class and videotaped during periods of independent symbolic play. From the analysis of transcripts, research notes, teacher interviews, and instructional artifacts, students' feelings of competence, autonomy, and belonging emerged during the symbolic play periods.