Should a lesson plan be very detailed and follow examples in the manual?

A lesson plan should serve as a flexible guide rather than a rigid script, allowing for adaptations based on the participants' needs, their levels of experience, and the specific context of each class. While it is beneficial to incorporate elements from examples in the manual, an overly detailed lesson plan may limit the instructor's ability to respond to unexpected situations or varying participant responses during the session.

A well-structured lesson plan should outline key objectives, general activities, and safety considerations, but it should also leave room for spontaneity and personalization. This approach fosters a more supportive and inclusive environment, which is particularly important in programs like the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program, where participants may have differing abilities and levels of fatigue. Therefore, the focus should be on being adaptable rather than strictly adhering to an exhaustive detailed plan.