I am not Asian-American, and I like my children to begin to be aware of history courses in advance of the topic (and after).
There is so much to take in culturally and socially that I like to reinforce the moment. We see historical films, visit museums, and discuss contemporary politics in historical terms. Instead of just allowing free-range reading, my usual practice, I will buy historical novels, or take them out of the library. I actually think it is good to supplement the school, even if it is as limited as starting the course in advance.