When we say "Translating Graphs" we mean taking a position vs time graph (position on the y-axis and time on the x-axis) and making a velocity vs. time or an acceleration vs. time graph. When moving between these graphs we are either taking the slope of the graph or the area of the graph.

What does slope mean? Remember that slope = Rise/Run OR y/x. To figure out what the slope means divide the y variable by the x variable (units can be very helpful). Whatever you get from this division is the slope of that graph. Ex. The slope of a velocity vs. time graph = velocity/time = m/s/s = m/s2 = acceleration.
More help on this IPC worksheet, and on these study helps.

What does the area of the graph mean? Area = LxW (or BXH). To figure out what the area of a graph means multiply the x and y variables. Ex. The area of a velocity vs time graph = (m/s)(s) = m = position (displacement, really).

More help on translating graphs:

This spreadsheet. This Excel spreadsheet allows you to change three quantities: initial position; initial velocity; acceleration. As in any good experiment, change them one at a time and see how they change each graph. By doing this you will get a good sense of how translating graphs works.

HINT: your Internet Browser may try to shut the spreadsheet down (worrying that it may be a virus). Allow it to turn on macros or whatever other message it gives you.