In our course we refer to the power of imaginative play to facilitate the development of self-regulation. The article I refer to can be found in "Play=Learning" and also online as this downloadable PDF. This article by early childhood researcher Laura Berk, Trisha Mann and Amy Ogan at Illinois State University, explores how modern research has validated many of Lev Vygotsky's theories about the impact and importance of imaginative play in early childhood for language and literacy development, social competence and problem solving. It also outlines the importance of expert partners in this process. It is well worth a read! Enjoy!