The MetaWord TELE means "far" or "distance".

Once a child learns this, they know that whenever they see "tele", it has something to do with something far away. 

Tele is at the root of many words, including telescope, television, telegraph, telegram, telecommunication, teleport, and more!

The MetaWord PHONe means "sound" or "voice". Now, when a child hears "phone", they will instantly associate the word with something to do with a sound or voice, as in words like microphone, earphone, headphones, megaphone, saxophone, xylophone, phonics, videophone, etc.  Just another example of the importance of root words for kids! Phon- is also the root of many words, like microphone, phonics, symphony, headphones and more.

Put it together!   

Now kids can see  and fully understand WHY a "telephone" is how we can hear a VOICE that's far away! 

Page taken from Book 1: Root Word Rudy and the Mystery at the Museum, 2nd Edition