http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_analogy
Being a helicopter mech and have years of exp in troubleshooting hydraulics I found this simple explanation of circuitry and basic components much easier to understand than just cracking a text book and jumping in over my head. I hope this help other newbies like me.
This analogy uses the hydraulic motian through a set of pipes and components to help explain the movement of electricty through a circit. Hope this helps some of the more mech minded types out there.