1. Overview - Shorashim, mishkalim, and binyanim.

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Hebrew is basically a language of roots (shorashim) - sequences of (usually) three letters with a general meaning:
ס.פ.ר s.p.r - counting, telling
כ.ת.ב k.t.b - writing
ח.ש.ב ch.sh.v - thinking, calculating
פ.ת.ח f.t.ch - opening
ס.ג.ר s.g.r - closing
These roots are not independent words, but ideas. By slotting them into particular patterns (mishkalim "measures") actual words are generated.
In theory, a certain mishkal has a specific function (noun, adjective, passive/active participle, etc) but in practice the relationship between the mishkal/root and the actual function/meaning of a word is not always clear. Even so, there are certain important mishkalim that are useful to know.
Also important to know, and the subject of this guide, are the binyanim ("constructions"), the patterns which pertain to verb conjugation.