how do i get to play from start of playlist?

If the shuffle is 3rd or 4th (current) gen, you use VoiceOver. This article explains how to enable and use VoiceOver (for a 4th gen shuffle)

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4322

Edit: Oh, that's to select a playlist that is on the shuffle. To make it start the playlist from the first item and play it "in order," set the shuffle's power switch tothe middle position, which is play-in-order.