Speak Out February 2018

Association news

BOOK OF THE YEAR 8

Speech Pathology Australia

The Book of the Year Awards raise awareness of the role speech pathologists play in assisting people of all ages to develop their language and literacy skills. In 2018 five award categories will be contested including:

The award recognises authors who have contributed significantly to children’s language and literature. The award is not presented every year but only when a stand-out candidate is nominated by a member. The relevant nomination form and selection criteria are available from the Book of the Year page on the Association’s website. The deadline for nominations is 15 March. There was no award in 2017. Seeking judges Each of the five categories of the Book of the Year uses the services of eight volunteer judges. All judges are asked to read and critique the shortlisted books according to a pre-prepared judging template. Once the judging process is complete all the reviewed books are donated by a judge to an organisation that will benefit from receiving them. Please note that preference is given to members who were Book of the Year judges in 2017. If you are interested in judging the Book of the Year Awards in 2018 you will need to satisfy the following criteria: • have an interest in children’s language and literature; • some paediatric experience (this may be through work or family experience); • the time over June to August to read and critique approximately 12 shortlisted books; • the ability to work to a strict time deadline (this is critical). If that sounds like you, please email marketing@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au with the following details: • your name • the category you would prefer to judge (one only) a very brief description of why you would be a good judge. NB. There is no guarantee that you will get the category you request. The closing date for expressions of interest for judging is 28 February. Michael Kerrisk Marketing and Communications Manager • postal address • contact details

• Birth to 3 years of age • Three to 5 years of age • Five to 8 years of age • Eight to 10 years of age • Indigenous children

Call for nominations Do you have a favourite children’s book that you believe should be nominated for this year’s awards? The Association is seeking nominations for children’s books that speech pathologists feel promote oral language development and literacy skills in the five award categories. A book needs to be exciting and stimulating, and satisfy the eligibility criteria:

• written by an Australian author; • readily available in Australia; • published in 2017 or 2018; • retail for no more than $50; • facilitate interaction and collaboration; • appeal to children; and • maintain high production standards (graphics, design, paper stock, etc).

The nomination form is available from the Book of the Year page on the Association’s website. The deadline for nominations is 31 March 2018. Hall of Fame nominations When warranted, Speech Pathology Australia presents its Children’s Language and Literature Award. This is the Association’s “Hall of Fame” award.

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February 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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