Artist-in-Residency (AIR) Archive
2009: Sussex Avenue School


Location: 307 Sussex Ave, Newark, NJ 07107
Principal: JoAnn Gilmore

The residency program at Sussex Avenue Elementary School immersed students in 1st and 5th grades in a series of lessons that tackled the themes of math, science and LAL while also teaching students new exciting skills in the arts. Classes included choreography that incorporated math and dance concepts that allowed the students to experience the physicality of dance, while engaging in abstract concepts of math. The teaching artist, Shirlise McKinley encouraged students to incorporate mathematical problem solving by translating fractions into dance “counts”. Students were also taught that the physicality of dance directly relates to the science of physics. Ms. McKinley reinforced these concepts through demonstration and vocabulary exploration. Some of the vocabulary explored during certain sessions included Centripetal force, energy, kinetic energy, etc. Students demonstrated their understanding of these concepts through student writing, written and oral exams. The mathematical and scientific concepts and LAL aided in the creation of the final performance, “The NutCracker” Each student learned various aspects of physical theater and role-playing in preparation of their culminating performance. The students’ live performance was shared with parents and the school community at Sussex Avenue School. The school auditorium for the performance was filled to capacity and the performance/presentation by the students was magical. The residency was a genuine school-wide occasion, and an effective example of how the integration of arts and academics can support learning and inspire students to embrace creativity


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