Howard Moody

Building Relational Trust
and Connection through Play

Passionate Play Leadership

For over thirty years I have led workshops which focus on joy, cooperation, and connection.

More and more I have come to the simple realization that everyone wants to feel a sense of belonging.

Many of today’s challenges in education, in organizations, in society, and in our individual lives can boil down to people feeling disconnected and feeling like they don’t belong. One of the best remedies for this growing epidemic of alienation is creating connection and belonging through play.

The Need for Communities of Care

The last few years have seen many stresses placed on education and all its members including teachers, parents, staff and students. Now more then ever it is vital to create environments that are safe, engaging, responsive and mindful that can meet as best as possible the wide variety of needs of all members of the community.

New research is showing that many students have experienced trauma and it is vital to create safety and trust to guide them into a positive learning environment where they feel safe and connected. Social Emotional Learning, Mindfulness and Restorative Practices are being used more and more to support this process.

The Heart of Play interweaves the importance of play in all these practices and provides trainings and workshops, that are informative, connecting and impactful, as well as fun, joyful, and relaxing. Combining all my years as a Play Specialist I help schools, teachers, educators, parents or anyone working with children by offering them truly engaging, informative and fun trainings on the importance of play in all aspects of learning.

In these training’s you will lean the tools, games, exercises and processes that can be interwoven into any educational arena. Educators benefit greatly from expanding their “tool kit”, learning kid-tested games and activities that support the social, emotional, and physical needs of all students.

"As Howard promised there was great laughter, almost non stop. We also had the opportunity to see another side of our co-workers. We highly recommend Howard Moody's presentations."

"In all my years, I have never seen anything as challenging, creative and playful as what Howard and his staff have to offer. It is truly an ongoing work of the arts."

"Howard has been hired by dozens of our member organizations over the years to help them relieve stress, build more effective teams, and boost morale. I hear nothing but rave reviews and I highly recommend him to any organization

"Although Nurtured Heart Play seems to be written mostly for children, I have found it to be particularly helpful with adults and have seen this approach do amazing things for the population that I serve."

This world needs more laughter, and meaningful and safe connections. Howard's play workshops and books provide techniques for both children and adults that are fresh, and creative and quickly create a sense of belonging. Experiencing an entire room filled with educators joyfully "letting go" and playing within minutes was wonderful!

You are such a breath of fresh air! Your knowledge on play and ability to connect with others is unmatched. My graduate studies were in Recreational therapy so play and joy plays such an important role in my life and the work I do. When I looked around during our training everyone was smiling. It was such a special moment for me.

Attending Howard Moody’s session on the importance of play was eye-opening. His passion for this often overlooked aspect of life is contagious! Through his captivating anecdotes, science-based facts, and interactive play sessions, Howard made a compelling case for the vital role playfulness plays in creativity, problem-solving, and overall wellbeing. His insights have reshaped my perspective, reminding me of the power of joy and playfulness in our daily lives and work.

Recent training at Camp Calumet

"This weekend was amazing. I’ve never felt more ready for a summer, and I now have the tools to do my job."

"This was an awesome way to get new ideas and form connections with my fellow counselors."

"The weekend was extremely informative when it comes to adapting games for all ages."

"I didn’t know I needed this reset and I am grateful for it. I will go forth and share this newfound excitement with others. Many Thanks!"

"I am about halfway through reading the games book and making notes of games to play with my staff and campers. How lucky we are that you found Howard."

"The weekend was extremely informative when it comes to adapting games for all ages."

"Thank you for teaching me to play again."

Howard talks about the necessity of play

Play is how children learn, grow, and experience the world. This article describes how play can support youth social-emotional well-being. fostered through socially engaged play. Click on the image to open the PDF article in a new window. (3.9 MB)

Building Relational Trustand Connection through Play

Passionate Play Leadership

The Need for Communities of Care

Recent training at Camp Calumet

Howard talks about the necessity of play

Building Relational Trust
and Connection through Play