SpeakOut_Feb2015_FINAL_web

book of the year news

B o o k o f t h e y e a r a w a r d s Best Books for Language and Literacy Development The Speech Pathology Australia 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.

The Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards is now in its 12th year of rewarding Australian books that promote oral language development.

There are five award categories:

• 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.

As in 2014, the Birth to three years category is strongly supported by Let’s Read Australia.

Association’s website. The deadline for nominations is 15 March 2015 . 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 receive them. If you are interested judging the Book of the Year Awards in 2015 you need to satisfy the following criteria: • an interest in children’s language and literature; • some paediatric experience (this may be through work or family experience);

The nomination form is available from the Book of the Year page on the Association’s website . The deadline for nominations is 15 March 2015 . Hall of fame nominations When it is warranted, Speech Pathology Australia presents its Children’s Language and Literature Award. This is the Association’s ‘Hall of Fame’ award. In 2013 it was awarded to Ursula Dubosarsky. This award recognises authors who have contributed significantly to children’s language and literature. The award is not presented every year and only when a stand-out candidate is nominated by a member. There was no award in 2014. The relevant nomination form and selection criteria are available from the Book of the Year page on the

Call for nominations Do you have a favourite children’s book that you believe should be nominated for this year’s awards? We are seeking children’s books that speech pathologists feel promote oral language development and literacy skills in the award’s five 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 2014 or 2015; • retail for no more than $30; • facilitate interaction and collaboration; • appeal to children; and

• maintain high production standards (graphics, design, paper stock, etc.).

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Speak Out February 2015

Speech Pathology Australia