If you new try on easy level and at 2x speed. I get L2 science, L2 farming L2 construction. In that order. I put all but two on science one on farming and one on building. After building the first hut, I'm ready for the villager to build the dam. Then I put him on science. Don't forget you need to get masters in three subject for a totem. But then I sit with the game and get the children to collect mushrooms and colectables. I then do L2 medicine Then L3 farming. I then get L3 medicine and the rest as I need them. Once you have more than 10 villagers, you need a second farmer. There are many ways you can play, but I find I don't loose any villagers. They usually die of old age in my games. Don't forget, events also determine how the game plays as well. For me, survival is the most important.