Qualitative and quantitative methodology in classroom observation were combined in this study that examined nine second grade reading classes. Each classroom was observed by an ethnographer and a classroom coder ten times throughout the year, and each observation lasted 90 minutes. For each classroom, four of the ten observations were also videotaped. The classroom observation system used was that developed by the Stanford Research Institute for use in the evaluation of the National Follow Through programs. Of particular interest in this observation system is the Five Minute Observation, which records classroom interactions in "frames" completed four times per hour. Four codes comprise each frame, indicating who performed the action, to whom it was directed, and what was done. Results indicate that some type of narrative record, or series of interviews, always be used in conjunction with categorical observation systems. (HOD)