Any tape reel can be loaded just by holding the end of the tape down against the hub and rotating a turn or two until there is sufficient friction. Then you don't need to hold the tape any more; to cue it up, just rotate the reel to pull the leader or tape a bit further through the playback path or push play and let the machine do it.
Threading into the slot is not at all necessary unless you prefer the look of a strip of tape hanging out. You may not find it easy to manipulate it with a pencil/stick either, without some practice. It doesn't do much to simplify loading. I think the hole is as much for placing you finger onto anyway: the tape is loaded entering the slot and exiting the hole at an angle, so you hold it in place by putting your finger over the hole.
Threading into the slot is not at all necessary unless you prefer the look of a strip of tape hanging out. You may not find it easy to manipulate it with a pencil/stick either, without some practice. It doesn't do much to simplify loading. I think the hole is as much for placing you finger onto anyway: the tape is loaded entering the slot and exiting the hole at an angle, so you hold it in place by putting your finger over the hole.