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Shaping the Growing Brain
Screens are woven into nearly every aspect of modern childhood. They are used for learning, entertainment, communication, creativity, and connection. At the same time, researchers continue to explore how increasing screen use may relate to children’s developing brains, including sleep, attention, language, literacy, and emotional well-being.
Research does not tell us that screens themselves are necessarily harmful, and many studies show associations rather than direct cause and effect. What may be just as important to consider is what children may be missing when time on screens replaces other experiences—sleep, physical activity, reading, imaginative play, family conversations, and time spent building friendships and relationships.
Rather than simply asking, “How much screen time is too much?” perhaps a more helpful question is, “What opportunities is screen time replacing?” Finding a healthy balance can help ensure technology remains a useful tool without crowding out the experiences children need to grow and thrive.
A few questions to ponder:
- Does screen use ever interfere with family conversations, meals, sleep, or bedtime routines?
- Is there enough time each day for movement, outdoor play, reading, and unstructured creativity?
- Are screens being used primarily for passive consumption, or also for learning, creating, and problem-solving?
- What technology habits are we modeling for our children?
- If we reduced recreational screen time by just 30 minutes a day, what meaningful activity might take its place?
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Learning for the Element Community
At Element Education, learning extends beyond our students. Element U is our growing learning and resource hub designed to support staff and families across Community Montessori and Dimensions Collaborative School.
This fall, Element staff are hosting a series of Parent Webinars on topics such as Parenting the Self-Determined Learner, Understanding Montessori Philosophy, and Understanding the Amira Reading Screener. Families can also find recorded presentations, helpful resources, and new Quick Guides designed to make navigating tools such as Student Pathways, our student information system, easier.
Current Element families can access these resources through their student’s Clever Dashboard, and new resources will continue to be added throughout the year. Families needing assistance can reach out to their Educational Facilitator.
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Celebrating Our Positive Discipline Lab School Recognition!
We are excited to share that the Positive Discipline Association has once again recognized Element Education as a 2026–2027 Lab School!
Positive Discipline is an important part of the culture across Community Montessori and Dimensions Collaborative School. Through these practices, we strive to create respectful, supportive learning environments where students develop responsibility, problem-solving skills, cooperation, and a strong sense of belonging.
We are grateful to continue this commitment across our Element Education community and to see the positive impact these practices have on our students, families, and staff.
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Something New Is Growing at the CM Oak Hill Learning Center
There’s something new taking shape at our Oak Hill Learning Center! Construction on the new barn is underway, with completion expected by the end of the semester. Once finished, it will provide a new home for our chickens and soon-to-arrive goats. Middle School students are preparing for the new additions by learning about goats and animal husbandry. The barn will also include dedicated storage space for farm tools and supplies.
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Dragon Wagon: September Explorations
The Dragon Wagon, Dimensions Collaborative School’s Mobile Learning Lab, brings hands-on learning experiences and resources directly to students and families in communities throughout San Diego County. September was filled with discovery, creativity, and fun!
Students used microscopes to take a closer look at the hidden details of nature, built imaginative LEGO creations while sharing their ideas with others, and took home some great books that sparked conversation and wonder. Families explored symmetry through art and puzzles, tackled math games that encouraged strategic thinking and collaboration, and participated in structured literacy activities that provided practical tools and ideas to support reading at home.
Every activity gave students opportunities to ask questions, test ideas, solve problems, create, and learn. These hands-on experiences helped strengthen connections between home, school, and community.
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Growing and Learning at Farm School
Dimensions Collaborative School’s newest program, Farm School, is taking root at our new Midway Learning Center in Escondido! Students are getting their hands dirty as they work together in the garden, explore nature, and experience learning through meaningful, hands-on activities.
Farm School is another way DCS brings learning to life by connecting education with real-world experiences.
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Celebrating 20 Years of Board Service
We recently celebrated Governing Board Member Barbara Rohrer on an incredible milestone—20 years of service on the Element Education Governing Board! We are grateful for Barbara’s longstanding commitment, leadership, and dedication to Element Education and the students and families we serve. Please join us in congratulating Barbara and thanking her for two decades of service to our community!
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New Element Is Everything Podcast Episode
Live and Learn
What if we stopped thinking of learning as something that happens only during “school time”?
In our latest Element Is Everything podcast, Terri explores the idea that living is learning. Some of the most meaningful learning happens through everyday experiences—cooking a meal, pursuing an interest, solving a problem, making a mistake, helping at home, playing, creating, or simply having a great conversation.
As parents and educators, we have an opportunity to help children recognize that learning isn't confined to a classroom, curriculum, or school day. When we begin asking, “What is being learned here?” we start to see just how many opportunities for growth surround us every day.
This month, we invite you to listen to the latest episode and consider: Where is learning showing up in your family's everyday life?
Listen Here
Interested in being a guest?
Contact: Terri Novacek at tnovacek@myelement.org.
Where to Tune In!
Apple Podcasts | Spotify
www.elementiseverything.org
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Learn More About Our Schools
Interested in learning more about Dimensions Collaborative School or Community Montessori? We invite you to come see our programs in action!
Families can schedule a tour to visit one of our Learning Centers, meet our staff, and learn more about the educational options available through Element Education.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year. Come visit us and learn more about which Element school may be a good fit for your family!
Visit:
www.dimensions.org
www.cmcharter.org
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