You Don't Have To Do This Alone.
A Journey From "I Don't Know What To Do" to "I Know My Next Step
Helping Parents become confident reading Coaches
You Are Never Alone
Empowered Parents. Confident Readers. Brighter Futures.
Together We Can Make Reading A Joy And Not A Struggle.
Every Step Builds On The Last...
Practical Tools
Encouragement
Real Results
Freebies
Reading Roadmap
Daily Reading Habit Builder
Helpful Printables
Checklists
Parent Guides
Reading Snapshot
Share child reading
Reviewed for specific benchmarks
Personalized strengths feedback
Individulalized next steps
Practical stratagies
Reading Adventures
Printable reading calendars
Coaching tips & ecouragement
Challenges & rewards
Printable lessons
Additional resources
When a child struggles at school, especially reading, the whole family feels
Hi! I'm Nicole.
I'm a Reading Specialist Educator and Parent Coach with a passion for helping children become confident readers—and helping parents feel confident supporting them.
After more than 20 years working with students, I've learned that reading success doesn't come from perfection. It comes from understanding each child's needs, having a plan to address them and celebrating small victories while taking one intentional step at a time.
That's why I created hey-nicole.
Here you'll find practical reading support, encouraging parent coaching, and simple resources designed to make helping your child learn feel less overwhelming and more successful. Whether you're looking for a plan to build a daily habit or a personalized plan like my Reading Snapshot, printable activities, or ongoing Reading Adventures sent directly to your inbox, my goal is to give you clear next steps you can use right away.
By my side are my two certified service dogs, Ruger and Archer, who have become the heart of Reading Adventures. Together, we believe learning should be encouraging, joyful, and full of hope.
I'm so glad you're here, and I look forward to walking alongside your family.
With you every step,
Nicole Shipp
Reading Specialist | Parent Coach
29+
Years of Experience
20+
Experienced Educator
Meet Ruger & Archer
The Four-Legged Team Behind hey-nicole
Ruger — Chief Reading Buddy
Hi! I'm Ruger, Nicole's reading partner and certified service dog.
Most days you'll find me listening to children read, celebrating brave attempts, and reminding young
readers that every big accomplishment starts with one small step.
I love cheering kids on when they're learning something new. Sometimes all they need is someone
who believes they can do it.
I'll let you in on a little secret—I still get in trouble for sneaking into the trash once in a while. Nicole
says I know better. She's probably right. But I keep trying to do better.
I guess that's why I understand what it's like to make mistakes. Around here, we don't expect
perfection. We celebrate trying again.
Favorite Things
• Listening to stories
• Celebrating reading victories
• Belly rubs
• Barking at squirrels
• Occasionally investigating the kitchen trash... purely for research purposes.
Archer — Chief Encouragement Officer
Hi! I'm Archer, Ruger's teammate and fellow certified service dog.
I believe every child deserves encouragement, patience, and someone who reminds them that
learning takes time.
While Ruger is usually the first one to celebrate a reading victory, I'm the one quietly cheering
everyone on. Sometimes a gentle nudge is all someone needs to keep going.
I should probably admit something... If someone leaves a pan on the stove, I might decide it's my
responsibility to make sure nothing delicious goes to waste. Nicole calls it "licking the pans." I call it
quality control.
Just like kids, I'm still learning too.
Favorite Things
• Encouraging families
• Listening to stories
• Barking at squirrels with Ruger
• Performing unofficial kitchen inspections
• Reminding everyone that learning takes practice.
Our Promise
Even service dogs aren't perfect.
Ruger sometimes investigates the trash. Archer occasionally volunteers to clean the pans. We both
bark at squirrels like it's our full-time job.
But every day we try to do a little better than the day before.
That's what we hope for every child, too.
Not perfection. Just another chance to learn, grow, and keep going.
Why I created Hey-Nicole
Celebrating small victories while taking one intentional step at a time.
After more than 20 years working with students, I've learned that reading success doesn't come from perfection. It comes from understanding each child's needs, having a plan to address them and celebrating small victories while taking one intentional step at a time.
Here you'll find
practical reading support
encouraging parent coaching
simple resources
less overwhelm
more success
Why Choose Hey-Nicole
Because Your Child Deserves the Best Start in Life
Whether you're looking for a plan to build a daily habit or a personalized plan like my Reading Snapshot, printable activities, or ongoing Reading Adventures sent directly to your inbox, my goal is to give you clear next steps you can use right away.
Freebies
Help parents take the first steps with valuable resourses.
Reading Snapshot
Give personalized feedback and a clear plan.
Reading Adventures
Keep families reading all year long with simple engaging activies.
Empowering Young Minds Through Endless Possibilities
We prepare children not only for school but for life. Through creativity, play, and personalized attention, we nurture curiosity and a love for learning that lasts forever.
Testimonials
What Parents Are Saying
Parents trust us because they see real progress in their children. From stronger social skills to improved confidence and a genuine love for learning, here’s what families have to share.
“The engaging activities not only keep my son entertained but also help him grasp new concepts quickly. His confidence has grown, and he now looks forward to school every day!”
Jane Doe
Mom of a Preschooler
“I’ve tried other programs, but this play school truly stands out. It balances fun and education perfectly, and my daughter has developed stronger reading and social skills.”
Jane Doe
Stay-at-Home Mom
“This program gave my child the perfect start. The teachers are patient, kind, and truly invested in the kids’ growth. I’ve seen incredible progress in her problem-solving skills.”
Jane Doe
Expecting Mom
“The learning environment is outstanding. My son feels happy, safe, and engaged every day. The blend of play, creativity, and learning is exactly what children need at this age.”
Jane Doe
Parent
Why Choose Hey-Nicole
Questions Parents Often Ask
Have a question you do not see answered here? I would love to help.
Together, we will find the best next step for your family.
My child does not like to read. Can you still help?
Absolutely! Many children struggle because reading has become stressful or frustrating. My goal is to rebuild confidence, make reading enjoyable, and help families discover simple strategies that work.
What ages do you work with?
Most of my resources are designed for elementary-aged readers and the adults who support them. I can also help parents teach young children the sounds letters represent, offer recommendations for introducing the alphabet, and build a strong foundation before formal reading begins.
What is a Reading Snapshot?
A Reading Snapshot is a personalized review of your child's reading. Parents share a view-only link to a short video of their child reading, and I provide encouraging feedback, identify strengths, and suggest one or two next steps.
What are Reading Adventures?
Reading Adventures are printable Adventure Maps designed to help families build joyful reading habits through fun, low-pressure reading experiences.
I have tried everything. Can this still help?
Many parents tell me they have felt overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. My goal is to simplify the process, encourage your family, and help you take one intentional step at a time.
Where should I begin?
I recommend starting with these two FREE guides: Struggling Reader and Daily Reading Habit. Together, they will help you understand what to focus on first while building joyful, consistent reading habits at home.
Do I need special books or materials?
No. Many of the strategies I teach can be used with books you already have at home. I will recommend additional resources only when they will genuinely benefit your child.
What if English is not the language we speak at home?
Families can support reading development in many ways, regardless of the language spoken at home. I have experience working with multilingual learners and believe parents are an important part of every child's reading journey.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Thinkers with Care and Imagination
We help children build the skills and confidence they need for every stage of life. Through hands-on exploration, meaningful play, and individual support, we spark a lifelong journey of discovery and growth.
© Copyright 2026 hey-nicole | Support for Struggling Readers. All rights reserved.