This manual is designed to aid observers in the classroom in the use of an observation form entitled "The Student-Level Observation of Beginning Reading," which focuses on the content of instructional activities in reading at the individual student level. Instructions are provided on how to identify a set of behaviors such as direct and indirect reading activities and on how to code the behaviors and time usage on the form. Information is also provided on successful uses of the observation instrument and on data use and validity. (MKM)