The best is to make this scarecrow, so put villager at farming tasks. Don't forget that when a villager is only watering the crops he is increasing his farming skills!! to be adept, it will not last very long.

Also, put all your kids at picking up the mushrooms!

You're on a good way and they'll not die!
Don't forget to look at the speed of your game; In 2x speed, they eat too much!

Then, try to make your villagers researching to earn more tech points!
Good luck!