Frami Sight-Reading Colouring Books

Nine levels. One step at a time. Every child learns differently.

Learning to read doesn't happen in the same way or at the same pace for every child.

The Frami Sight-Reading Colouring Books were developed by Helena Haven through her own experience of teaching her two autistic sons to read, after discovering that the phonics approach wasn't working for either of them.

What followed was a very different reading journey for each child.

One of her sons learned to read relatively quickly, while her youngest struggled for years. Despite continued efforts, he didn't learn to read until he was ten. It was persistent, regular practice with sight-reading that eventually clicked for him when he was ready.

That experience shaped the Frami Sight-Reading Colouring Books. Helena wanted to create a resource that would help children recognise words, practise reading at their own pace and build confidence without unnecessary pressure.
Because learning to read isn't a race, and every child deserves the opportunity to find what works for them.

A different approach to learning to read

The Frami Sight-Reading Colouring Books use whole-word recognition, structured repetition and familiar vocabulary to help children develop reading confidence.

Rather than relying on phonics alone, the books give children regular opportunities to see, recognise and practise words in a supportive, engaging format. The colouring activities add an enjoyable element to the learning experience, making the books useful for both reading practice and creative play.

The series was developed with children who learn differently in mind, including autistic children and those who find traditional reading approaches challenging. However, the books can be used by any child who would benefit from this style of practice.

The aim isn't to rush children through the levels. It's to help them become familiar with words, build confidence and progress when they're ready.

Nine levels of sight-reading practice

The Frami Sight-Reading Colouring Books are arranged into nine levels, progressing from simple, familiar words towards broader vocabulary and words used to connect ideas and sequence stories.
Each level provides an opportunity to revisit words, practise recognition and build on what has come before.

Level 1 — First Words
A gentle introduction to recognising familiar words.
Sight words: I, a, the, my, me, you, is, it, go, no, see, like

Level 2 — Building Confidence
Practising more familiar words and beginning to recognise them in different contexts.
Sight words: we, he, she, to, in, on, up, big, little, can, look, and

Level 3 — Feelings and Actions
Introducing words associated with emotions, play and everyday activities.
Sight words: happy, sad, fun, play, run, jump, here, there, come, with

Level 4 — Everyday Language
Building recognition of words used in simple sentences and familiar situations.
Sight words: said, went, away, down, help, make, find, one, two, three

Level 5 — Expanding Vocabulary
Introducing words that help children talk about time, quantity and reasons.
Sight words: because, where, when, again, more, little, very, about, after, before

Level 6 — Understanding Sequence
Practising words that describe order, conditions and how actions happen.
Sight words: so, but, if, then, very, slowly, quickly, first, next, last

Level 7 — Exploring More Words
Broadening vocabulary with words that describe quantity, position and time.
Sight words: many, some, any, every, over, under, around, again, before, after

Level 8 — Asking Questions
Recognising useful question words and words associated with communication.
Sight words: who, what, why, how, could, would, should, tell, ask, show

Level 9 — Connecting a Story
Practising words that help children understand order, events and the connections between ideas.
Sight words: story, first, next, then, finally, before, after, because, when, where

Who are these books for?

The series is designed primarily for early readers aged approximately 4–7+, but the levels are flexible and can also support older children who are still developing their reading skills.

They may be particularly useful for:

• Autistic children who benefit from repetition and a predictable approach.

• Children with ADHD or PDA profiles who find conventional reading activities challenging.

• Children who need additional time and practice to recognise familiar words.

• Early readers who enjoy colouring and visual activities.

• Parents and carers looking for another way to support reading at home.

• Teachers and support professionals seeking additional reading practice resources.
   

The books are designed to complement a child's wider learning, rather than prescribe a single method that must work for everyone.

There is no race to the next level. Some children may move through the books quickly. Others may need to revisit the same words and activities many times before they become familiar. Both are perfectly valid learning journeys.

Helena's own experience taught her that progress cannot always be predicted by age or by how quickly a child moves through a reading programme. Her youngest son needed until the age of ten before reading clicked for him, despite years of effort. His experience is an important part of why these books exist: children need patience, regular opportunities to practise and the freedom to learn at a pace that works for them.

Follow the child, not the level.

Discover the Frami Sight-Reading Colouring Books

Explore the nine levels and find a suitable starting point for your child. Whether they're learning their first words or need extra practice to build confidence, the series offers a structured way to revisit sight words through reading and colouring.
Every word recognised is progress. Every small step matters.