I find it odd that in first grade a teacher would say something like that. I mean, do they get real grades?
However, I think that DS being unusually nervous in school about the work is something to talk to the teacher about. I am often pleasantly surprised at the response of teachers when you approach it from the position of how the child is feeling and can you get more information about what is going on in school, and then share how the child is feeling at home.
I hope you are able to figure out something that works for your child.
