It all depends how you learn. Who cares WHEN some one reads the manual...? As long as they do.
Some people learn the functions better through trial and error, and dont realize what they don't know until the problem arises. Then go to the manual to solve it... For some people, reading about something has very little meaning until they actually have had the experience to draw from.
All learning is, is a change of behavior resulting from experience. Sure the manual is important, just let the poor guy have fun with his camera. Back up off and let him figure it out....