Research demonstrates that creative play is critical for healthy human development. It helps children develop physical, social, and cognitive abilities and promotes problem-solving skills and creativity. Children around the world play, and the ways they play are culturally bound. Children benefit from both unstructured and structured play, and teachers and caregivers can scaffold both types of play through a variety of supportive methods. It is important to view every interaction and experience as an opportunity for learning, without providing so much structure that it interferes with the play. In this article, the authors identify the benefits of pretend play--creating imaginary scenarios--and explore ways that teachers and families can promote make-believe play for preschool children. (author abstract)