I think it would be easier to order things in terms of when they are executed. And perhaps it would be easier to teach SQL if the different parts where more obviously separate. As the different parts are actually distinct and don't really cross over. But to a newbie would seem procedural when it's not.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FLWOR
SELECT first_name FROM person WHERE first_name LIKE 'john'
becomes:
FROM person WHERE first_name LIKE 'john' SELECT first_name
SQL reads more English like while from first is more Yoda speak but the auto-complete is worth more to me.