There aren’t that many years before that. 4th graders are only 10. I am sure they learn about George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln earlier, but most history is too complex to be taught much earlier. My kids learned state history in 3rd grade. By 4th grade they remember nothing about it.
Too bad they don’t remember it. Must not have been taught it very well.
I have a 4th grader. Her school is in the year when they learn American history. The other year in the two year cycle they learn World History. Her class has been learning about westward expansion and the circumstances surrounding the making of new states. Each year they build on the learning that the children have from two years before. Our kids actually remember it pretty well.
Real history instruction should start early so the child has benchmarks to hang their future learning on.