Crossing the famine to find the white moonlight

Chapter 265 Teaching Children Life Skills

Life in the camp gradually became orderly. The construction of wooden houses, farmland, fishing grounds, livestock sheds, and defense facilities progressed steadily, and the children slowly found their place on the land. Watching them run around outdoors and busy themselves in the kitchen, Ye Wan felt a surge of satisfaction. However, she knew that simply having fun wasn't enough; the children needed to acquire more life skills to survive independently in this new home.

Ye Wan decided to start teaching the children some simple but crucial life skills. She knew that learning these skills would not only improve their survival ability, but also help them understand the importance of teamwork and everyone's responsibilities in a shared life.

Lesson 1: Planting

"Today we're going to learn how to grow crops together," Ye Wan said to the children gathered around her, standing in a corner of the farmland, pointing to the tilled soil. "This is our source of food and the foundation for our independent livelihood."

Xiaotong stood at the front, eyes wide open, clearly filled with curiosity about the task. The other children also came over, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation.

"We need to plant wheat, vegetables, and some fruit. These are foods we'll need to eat long-term." Ye Wan continued with a smile, "Everyone, take note. Planting isn't complicated, but it does require care and patience."

She first demonstrated how to evenly spread the seeds into the soil, then gently cover the soil with her hands, and finally water the plants gently with a small kettle. Each of her movements was careful and precise, as if she was teaching an art, not daring to be careless at all.

The children gathered around her, watching intently. Xiaotong's eyes sparkled, as if she couldn't wait to try it. Ye Wan turned around, squatted down, and said softly to Xiaotong, "You try it. Remember, sow the seeds evenly, not too densely or too sparsely."

Xiaotong carefully picked up the seeds, her fingers trembling slightly, but she still firmly sowed the seeds into the soil. She looked at each seed she sowed, a sense of accomplishment in her eyes.

"Well done, Xiaotong!" Ye Wan said with an approving smile. She knew that planting wasn't just about teaching children how to plant seeds; more importantly, it taught them patience and a sense of responsibility. Every seed was a testament to their future endeavors.

Lesson 2: Cooking

Over the next few days, Ye Wan took the children into the simple kitchen, where a stove and hearth had already been set up. Pots and pans were neatly arranged on the stove, creating a warm atmosphere.

"Today we're going to learn how to cook," Ye Wan said to the children with a smile, picking up a carrot. "We not only need to learn how to grow food, but also how to make it delicious."

The children cheered and gathered around to watch. Xiaotong couldn't help but wipe her hands and rubbed them together excitedly, "Can I cook too?"

"Of course." Ye Wan nodded with a smile. "Cooking is something that requires patience and carefulness. Anyone can do it well."

First, Ye Wan led the children in chopping and washing vegetables. She expertly cut the ingredients with a knife, her movements smooth and efficient. "Safety is paramount when cooking. Be careful with knives and flames," Ye Wan patiently explained. "Secondly, division of labor is crucial. By assigning tasks to everyone, we can increase efficiency and achieve better results."

Xiaotong and the other children followed her lead, chopping vegetables and washing pots. Although their movements seemed a bit clumsy, everyone's face was filled with seriousness. Xiaotong, in particular, would look up from time to time, looking at Ye Wan expectantly, as if waiting for her approval.

"Very good, Xiaotong, be careful with the knife when cutting vegetables." Ye Wan gently reminded, "Remember to concentrate when using the knife."

Under Ye Wan's careful guidance, the children gradually mastered basic cooking techniques. She taught them how to season and control the heat, and ultimately, they cooked a simple yet delicious meal together, leaving the children with satisfied smiles on their faces.

"Try it, this is the meal you cooked yourself." Ye Wan brought the hot dish to the table and handed it to Xiaotong.

Xiaotong picked up the chopsticks, took a bite, and her eyes lit up immediately, "Delicious! Really delicious!"

"You did a great job too!" Ye Wan praised. "This isn't just about cooking; it's about learning to take care of yourself and others. When you can cook a meal for yourself, you've truly grown."

Lesson 3: Cleaning and Organizing

In addition to planting and cooking, Ye Wan also teaches the children how to clean and organize. She knows that cleanliness is crucial in every aspect of life, whether in the kitchen, cabin, or farmland. Cleanliness is not only a basic requirement of life but also teaches children a sense of responsibility and self-management.

She assigned tasks to the children: "Today we will clean the room together, clean the stove, and organize things. Remember, every small place is part of our living environment and must be kept tidy."

The children, armed with brooms, rags, and buckets, set to work. Xiaotong scrubbed the tabletops, while Lingling swept the floor. The other children also divided their responsibilities, some washing dishes, others cleaning windows, all proceeding in an orderly fashion.

Seeing the children's dedication, Ye Wan felt a warm feeling in her heart. She had never imagined that on this land, the children would not only learn how to survive, but also learn how to care for themselves, others, and their shared home.

"You did a great job!" Ye Wan encouraged the children with a smile, "A clean and tidy home can make everyone feel comfortable and make us love this place even more."

After the cleaning activity was completed, the children stood in the tidy kitchen and house with pride on their faces. Everyone understood that this was not only a cleaning activity, but also a practice of responsibility and teamwork.

The seeds of responsibility

Over time, under Ye Wan's guidance, the children gradually mastered more life skills. Seeing Xiaotong and the other children growing in confidence and independence brought her immense joy. She knew that everything she did was not only laying the foundation for this new home, but also paving the way for the children's future.

Whenever she sees Xiaotong and the other children planting seeds, cooking, and cleaning with their own hands, she can sense their silent growth. Responsibility, independence, and self-confidence are quietly sprouting in their hearts, and will eventually grow into towering trees, supporting them as they journey towards a broader world.

Ye Wan stood at the kitchen door, watching the children playfully and happily, and silently sighed: This home belongs not only to her and Xie Linchuan, but also to every child growing up on this land. And as their guardian, she has sown the most important seeds in their lives: responsibility and love.