Supporting Struggling Readers: Practical Approaches for the Junior Classes (P) 

DATE:           Wednesday, 4th February 2026     
TIME:            7pm - 8pm
VENUE:        Online Via Zoom

Audience: Special Education Teachers supporting Junior Infants, Senior Infants, and First Class

Join Deirdre O’Toole for a focused webinar on supporting young children who are struggling with reading. Moving beyond the traditional ‘station teaching’ model, this session will explore evidence-based alternatives to address the diverse needs of early learners. Gain practical insights and strategies grounded in current research to help every child build confidence and make progress in reading. Tailored specifically for special education teachers, this webinar offers tools to create a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Presenter: Deirdre O'Toole

Deirdre O’Toole is a primary teacher and PhD candidate at Mary Immaculate College, where her research focuses on early literacy acquisition. She delivers professional development for primary teachers across Ireland, supporting evidence-informed approaches to literacy instruction. Deirdre runs Playful Classroom, providing practical, research-based teaching resources and training. She is also the founder of the Science of Reading Discussion for Irish Teachers Facebook group and Right to Read Ireland, advocating for high-quality literacy education for all children.