embodiments are described herein that provide recitation assistance devices and methods of using them . such methods may include the steps of providing at least one hand - held physical media , and marking the at least one physical media with a clear sequence of letters , each letter representing a word such that the sequence is the first letters of a series of words imparting a particular meaning . in some embodiments , the physical media may include wood , such as a pencil or dowel . similarly , in some embodiments , the marking the physical media may include marking the sequence of letters on the facets of the pencil , such as creating a spiral pattern around the physical media where the sequence of letters proceeds along the spiral pattern , such that the physical media is rotated to present the sequence of letters in order .