As teachers, you will know it’s not paying lip service to say that some of the best and most innovative ideas really do come from children.

The people of greater Christchurch have told the Ministry of Education that they want to have a say in what the city’s new schools look and feel like. This is not just more of the same. This is the time to create new facilities and spaces that inspire, support and energise you and your learners.

Design forums are being held on November 20-22 for youth and adults, and there’ll be special youth forums next month (once exams are over).

Here’s how younger learners can have their say.

Download the   design your school leaflet (pdf, 170kb) and talk to your class about what a modern learning environment could mean for them.

As a jumping off point, they may wish to send in drawings, or word charts, or simply a paragraph about what they would like their school to be like. In the North Island, one modern school has under-floor heating, water fountains in every learning space, and very low-set, fully opening windows with decking on the outside, and padded seats on the inside – you can imagine which route the children take to get inside.

The best designs and ideas will be blown up and framed as art and taken to the three formal design forums. All of the work will be given to the architects who will be collating and translating the ideas and presenting them to the people of greater Christchurch early next year.

Send your class entries to the Ministry of Education Christchurch Education Renewal Programme team, P O Box 2522, Christchurch 8140, or email shapingeducation@minedu.govt.nz  by Friday, 30 November 2012.