The fourth graders are learning to convert improper fractions to mixed numbers this week. For example, 9/4 (nine fourths) converts to 2 and 1/4 (two and one fourth). Using the pizza example, you can think of two pizzas with each divided into four parts, or slices. If you have nine slices, then that is one more slice than eight slices, or two whole pizzas with one more slice. In other words, nine fourths equals two and one fourth.
Tomorrow the fourth graders will read one of their friendly letters about what one should expect in fourth grade to their kindergarten buddies. Then they will help them write their own friendly letter, which will likely be the first letter the kindergarteners have ever written, at least in school.