Final answer:
Ruth received a ball and cup toy as a gift from her teacher, which marked a significant moment in her life. This event happened when Ruth was at the Perkins Institution, and her teacher spelled the word 'doll' into Ruth's hand, sparking her interest in finger play.
Step-by-step explanation:
The day that Ruth got a ball and cup toy was a significant moment in her life. According to the information provided, Ruth received the doll as a gift from her teacher the morning after her teacher came.
This event happened while Ruth was at the Perkins Institution and Laura Bridgman had dressed the doll. Ruth's teacher spelled the word 'doll' into Ruth's hand, which sparked her interest in finger play and led her to imitate the spelling. It was a memorable experience for Ruth as it marked her early journey towards understanding that everything has a name.