With a strong belief in the ArtsSmarts vision and the desire to fulfill its mandate, École Amirault developed a project based on a device that has persisted through the generations and can be found in every culture: games.

The 350 students invented new games that explore their rich Francophone heritage while developing their cross-disciplinary skills.

They used recycled materials to design their games and then enjoyed playing them in the classroom. The expertise of Suzanne Cormier-Dupuis, an artist from the region, made for a more authentic artistic creation process. The games were produced in collaboration with each class teacher and related directly to the curriculum. This approach fostered the students' creativity and divergent thinking.

The students said:

"Wow! Madame Suzanne sure has a lot of red recycled stuff! Good thing she's in our school!"

"I had a great time making up these games. It was really fun!"

"We tossed around manufactured and natural objects. We can learn a lot."

Stated the teacher, "I consider this a very worthwhile program. The children have fun while they're learning. I also like having someone else lead the workshops, because it gives me the chance to observe the students and give them individual attention."

Suzanne Cormier-Dupuis reported that "This is a fantastic project, involving every teacher in the school! It means that I'm working with about 350 children. It is also a great opportunity to recycle different kinds of materials. I'm enthralled by the ideas the teachers come up with in developing their games and, as an artist, I enjoy the challenge these ideas present in terms of finding creative designs. As well, this project has increased my profile in my home community. I feel that I'm contributing to an increased appreciation of the arts, authentic creation and the use of recycled materials."