I would suggest watching video tutorials to learn how to do these things, but when it comes to the first time doing it hands on, just mess with a character and animate them in whatever way you want, then add lights and camera.

I will suggest to start from simple, if you were planing to animate in sfm then check out this

Graph editor tutorial for keyframing: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF85504FA269DC502
This be about three-point lighting, read it: http://facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=1229801
Here be Zach talking about lighting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOIzjD4bMfg
Rule of third (it's important for posing of the camera and stuff): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDZpZTzn-VY
Handhelf camerawork: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgRIO6D8qJM
Here's Zach doing some fix-up on the camerawork of someone else, watch this (you should probably watch the rule of thirds one first): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2izDJDLoqo
We also got the Valve pose to pose tutorials if you want to watch those.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEz7TslI-fs
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Gk0K_wwCdI
There. That's my constribution of tutorials for you to watch. Enjoy!

I'd whole heartedly recommend Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams. Best place to learn animation without going to school imo

Originally posted by ...pending...:

I'd whole heartedly recommend Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams. Best place to learn animation without going to school imo

Maybe, if he's willing to spend the money right now...

Thanks ill be looking forward to all of your suggestions

Besides the technical tutorials mentioned, having a look at Animator's Survival Kit is quite essential.
But I also recommend you do a bit of live drawing, and make loads of motion sketches. It kinda helps in planning the action and keeps you on track while you're working the interface.
A load of times you can judge if an animator knows drawing by the quality of one's animation.

If I remember correctly, Valve has made tutorials for each. If that information is not enough for you to build off of, the SFM Community should have more detailed and in-depth tutorials for you. Search around YouTube and see what you find.