Yay, I'm so glad you like the Belgariad. I LOVE both that series and the Mallorean by David Eddings. It's one of my all time go-to series when I need to escape to the fantasy world. I was going to name my firstborn Garion I shit you not!

Cole sounds like he's off to a good start, having the same teacher (as long as he likes her) is a great way to focus right away on learning rather than new routines, new expectations. Be proud the teacher picked him for her class, he must be a great kid!