Developing Reading Comprehension Skills in Teaching Bulgarian Language and Literature in Primary Schools – a Factor for Successful Foreign Language Learning

The paper presents the main characteristics of the so-called reading comprehension. Analysed are the problems and deficiencies in teaching literature. Well known reading comprehension strategies are interpreted. The paper analyses the results from a representative study of the reading comprehension skills of students in the third grade. The author suggests ideas for the optimization of the methods for developing reading techniques, skills for understanding fiction and non-fiction texts, and for stimulating learners’ interest in books and reading. Various extracurricular activities are also recommended.