The Stallers

I'm never quite sure what to do about students who use their notebooks as a springboard for a career as the next great artist.  In a group class, it isn't such a big deal.  We need to move forward for the sake of the others.  If they want to doodle, so be it.  In a private lesson, it can be excruciating.

One such student frequently kills 10 minutes just getting the date written to his satisfaction.

Me:  Good afternoon.  Did you have a good weekend?

Student:  Yes.  (holds hand up)  Just a moment, please.  (opens backpack, removes books and notebook, thoughtfully opens notebook, flips--page by page--to the first blank sheet)  What's today's date, please?

Me:  October 23rd.

Student:  (beings writing)

Me:  Alright.  Let's get started.  Can I see your homework from last week?

Student:  (holds hand up)  Just a moment, please.  (inexplicably goes over certain parts of certain letters and numbers with pencil)

Me:  Okay.  Let's see that homework.

Student:  (underlines the whole works using a ruler)

Me:  (clearing my throat)

Student:  (says nothing, makes it a double underscore)

Me:  ...and your homework.

Student:  Just let me get out my pens.  (slowly retrieves pens from case, makes sure the green pen is working properly)

Me: (trying to remain cheerful)  Looks good.  Let's go!

Student:  I'm going to test the red too.

Me:  Festive!  And we're off!

Student:  (not a risk taker, doesn't want to chance a misunderstanding during his nightly studying)