How did Ruth instill the importance of education to her children?

His mother implemented a system of dividing "the big kids" from "the little kids", and instilled in them basic tenets to live by, such as: "Educate your mind. School is important" and "Don't tell nobody your business." She sent them to a stricter Jewish school even though they were the only black kids there. Check out chapters 1-4. There is a lot there.