Early Literacy Research Library (ELRL) - Metric

The Number Farm (TNF): Emergent Numeracy Screening Measure

TNF


Access: FREE/Open Access

Download the full text(s): TNF_Script_Revised_2026

evaluation focus

Emergent numeracy and math skills

applicable ages

36 to 60 months (3 to 5 years)

available language(s)

English, Spanish

availability

FREE download through the library
Must be purchased

summary

The Number Farm (TNF) Assessment is an 11-item screening tool designed to assess emergent numeracy and math skills in 3- and 5-year-old children. TNF requires the utilization of The Number Farm, a 14-page illustrated, rhyming book specially designed by a pediatrician and expert in cognitive and brain development to directly screen early numeracy/math skills.
The Number Farm models early math skills featuring diverse animals at play “down on the farm.” It complements existing reading programs such as Reach Out and Read, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and community kindergarten readiness initiatives, and it is an ideal tool for discussing how families can help their children.
Skills Assessed and Modeled:
  • Concept of number
  • Numeral names
  • Verbal counting
  • 1-1 counting (sets)
  • Set-numeral mapping (quantities)
  • Exact set comparison Number order (ordinality) Number comparison (cardinality) Basic addition
Anticipatory Guidance:
  • Healthy eating
  • Active/creative play
Administration format: adult guides child through the book and asks a series of interactive questions.
Total time: ~7 minutes
TNF scripted screening form is available as a PDF, and as a screening portal:
https://thenumberfarm.website/form/
The Number Farm book is required and available for purchase at Blue Manatee Press.

supporting literature

Hutton JS, Singh P, Reel S, Ittenbach RF. Development and pilot testing of the number farm: a numeracy screener for preschool-age children. Pediatr Res. 2026 May 14. doi: 10.1038/s41390-026-05061-w. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42135562.
PDF: Development and pilot testing of the TNF screener
Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41390-026-05061-w