Hello Elizabeth.  Here are a few links I found for you to peruse at your convience.  

http://www.dinkuminteractive.com/writing-your-first-plugin-for-wordpress-a-primer/

http://blazestudios.biz/quick-primer-setting-wordpress-web-site/

http://www.designwise.net/toolbox/wordpress-primer/

Hope this helps!  Good luck and good vibes to you!