Is there a simple guide to test all devices?

MTC arrived yesterday and before school this am everything was played with. What I'm now after, if it exists, are simple instructions so we can test every part - the joystick shows the X axis working but not the Y.
Also, is there a lag when using the Raspberry Pi?
This is a steep learning curve for me and my children, but I'd like to think we're a good example of Kickstarter backers with a non-electronics background - which will grow in confidence using Flotilla :)