In this study we analyze subject specific content in texts written in history education in school year 4 in a Swedish context. The study employs two different approaches to (text) content analysis: Analysis of representation of an historic vis-à-vis a practical perspective on the past, and analysis of the specific linguistic construals of the texts, based on a systemic functional linguistics approach. The results from the analyses are then compared to enable a synergetic account of the specific linguistic fabrics of the two historical perspectives. The results show that there are key differences in how the historical vis-à-vis the practical perspective on the past are linguistically construed, thus highlighting the intricacies of writing in history education. These findings are significant for researchers and teachers interested in furthering emergent historical literacy in early school years.