Q: My 4-year-old is still just speaking in two-word phrases. I'm worried that she might be behind in her speech development. Should I be worried?

A: According to the American Speech, Hearing and Language Association, typically developing 3- to 4-year-old children use sentences of four or more words.

At this age, children often talk about their daily activities -- what they did and what they saw at school or at home. They should be able to speak easily without repeating syllables or words, and should speak clearly enough that people outside the family can understand them.

So we agree that there's some cause for concern, but there are things you can do to help your daughter.

First, we highly recommend that you seek a speech and language evaluation for her. If you live in Allegheny County, you can obtain an evaluation through DART (412-394-5816). Or you can contact Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Child Development Unit (412-692-5589) or Allegheny General Hospital's Allegheny Behavior and Child Development Service (412-359-3131). Also, your pediatrician should be able to refer you to an appropriate speech and language professional.

Meanwhile, here are a few activities you can do at home to promote your little girl's speech and language development:

• Read books that have a simple story, and talk with your daughter about what happens. Help her retell the story or act it out with props and dress-up clothes. Tell her your favorite part and ask for hers.

• Look at family pictures and encourage her to explain what's happening in each one.

• Expand her vocabulary and the length of her utterances by singing, rhyming, or even just talking about daily activities as you're doing them -- for instance, while you're doing errands or chores at home.

• Cut out photos from old catalogs or magazines. Then create "silly pictures" by gluing images together in an improbable way. For example, put a dog inside a car as if the dog is driving, or have a person walking into an upside-down house. Help your daughter explain what's silly about each picture.

Nationally accredited, 4 Kids Early Learning Network serves children and families throughout the Mon Valley. E-mail questions to: questions@4kidsearlyed.org, or mail to: 4 Kids Questions, 445 Fourth St., Braddock, PA 15104.