I grew up in the countryside and helped my parents do lots of housework and farm work. So I learned more life skills than my peers (同龄人) who grew up in cities.

I learned to cook when I was 10 years old. The first skill that I learned was making dough (面团) . I thought it would be easy because I often saw my mom do it-just mix water and flour (面粉) . Actally, it’s not easy to make delicious dough unless you keep trying over and over again.

Later, I learned to make dumplings. I fell in love with cooking. It’s a good way to relax. Now working from home, I usually cook meals instead of ordering delivery (点外卖) . It saves money and I can eat healthily.

Besides cooking, I did a lot of farm work in my childhood. I learned how to plant vegetables. I shared my experience with my friend from the city, they thought it was a pity that they didn’t have the chance to learn these things in their lives.

I am so happy to hear that labor education is required (开展劳动教育) in middle schools in China now. I think these life skills will help you for the rest of your life.

Dale has a new baseball hat. It is from his sister Grace. The hat is blue and it is beautiful. Dale loves it. He wears(戴) it every day. When he doesn’t wear it, he always puts it on his desk. This morning Dale wants to play baseball with his friends. He wants to wear the hat, but the hat is not on the desk. Where is it? Dale looks for it under the sofa, under the chair, in the schoolbag, just everywhere. But he can’t find it.

“Do you see my hat?” Dale asks his family. No one sees it.

Dale is sad(伤心的). He thinks his hat is lost. At that time, his dog Puppy comes. And the hat is on his head! He loves the hat, too.

Dale is very happy. He gets the hat and leaves(离开) home.

Life offers so many lessons, both practical and personal that you’re never too young to begin learning them. Here are some skills to learn as soon as possible.

Money Management

【小题1】

In a world where you can buy many objects, the key is to save money by buying only essentials （必需品） and a treat sometimes.

Cooking

One great way to save money is to learn to cook for yourself.

【小题2】

Keeping Promises

Promises are a matter of honesty and should be made with care.

【小题3】

Accepting Rejections（拒绝）

Though you must be careful not to break your word, others’ promises aren’t always kept.

【小题4】

Lifelong Learning

No matter how old you get, there will always be things beyond your understanding. It’s better to learn to be modest（谦虚的）now rather than take a proud fall later in life.

【小题5】