First-Grader Needs Self-Discipline With Homework

Our son's first-grade teacher has expressed concern because our son is not completing his work in a reasonable time frame. Sometimes, he just gives up, saying, "I don't know," even though the teacher and I know he has the skills to do the work.
How can we and the teacher help him become more self-disciplined to do the work? He is going to have extra timed homework on weekends, and we have also talked about having him do incomplete work during recess as an incentive. Is this the answer? - Very Worried
Answer: First-graders have to learn how to settle down and do their work. This is the second semester, and most have begun to make progress in handling classroom assignments. Your son needs some additional help. If you and the teacher are sure he has the academic skills, you might ask for an intervention that has several teachers study your son and then make recommendations.
Your son has years of homework ahead of him. At this point, you certainly don't want to turn homework into a punishment so that he develops a negative attitude toward it. Eliminating his recess will only help him catch up. It may or may not give him the incentive to do future work faster. Plus, he probably needs the recess time to burn off energy and socialize with his classmates.
Perhaps the best approach is for the teacher to give the class more guided instruction in getting started on assignments. The teacher should also try to check how your son is doing more often and offer suggestions, if needed.
On your part, ask the teacher to send home some regular school assignments so that you can help your son develop techniques for handling and completing his assignments. Be sure to show him how to break his work down into manageable portions. Stress completing the work rather than an absolute time limit. With your support, he should master the task of completing assignments, unless he has learning or attention problems.