Mrs. Thompson tells her classroom that if students finish practicing their cursive writing early they can play on the computer AND play with Frederick, the class guinea pig. Stacey Coolidge is the best at handwriting. She hardly ever uses her eraser. But Carolyn isn't doing as well. Carolyn has been practicing cursive handwriting every day for weeks, and not only is she not going to get to play with Frederick, but her handwriting is also not much better than a guinea pig's. It's a good thing that her teacher, Mrs. Thompson, is able to turn her frustration into confidence!