Teach children a few very short sentences to remember verbally. From a book, choose sentences that are vivid, but simply constructed. When words paint a colorful picture, it's easier for a child to both learn and want to learn. Read out several sentences, and instruct the children to repeat them -- after each sentence has been read out. Ask the children to then attempt to read one of the sentences. Ask them to repeat the sentence they have just read from memory. Repeat this exercise by asking the children to read out another sentence and to recall what they have just read. Children shouldn't be overloaded with too much information, so it will be more to their advantage to learn via small steps. Learning to read through small steps will allow a child to improve his reading skills in a less pressurized way.
Use objects in sentences, which will help a child's visualization. This will make a child more interested in wanting to remember what she has just learned. Use animals and everyday objects to engage young children, which will give them a point of focus. For older children, also use animals and everyday objects, but also introduce movie, music and sports stars. Use visualization in a way that will tap into a child's individual interests.
Encourage children to understand and memorize rhyme. Rhyme is a device that helps a child memorize words effectively because of the similarity of the sounds of words. Read out a series of rhymes, which, depending on the child's age, should range from nursery rhymes to simple, poetical rhymes. Explain to the children what words rhyme. Ask the children to then read out the rhymes and to call out on every occasion they reach a rhymed word.
Make use of pictures. Using pictures of familiar objects will help children make a direct connection with the words through memory. For instance, read out a story that includes several different objects. Stop and hold up a picture of some of the objects as they are mentioned in the story. Give the children a test whereby they read out the same story. Ask the children to stop reading as they come to each object that you had previously held up and to then raise the picture of the object mentioned in the story.