Where can I get the real, most useful English/your native language word lists

I am an English teacher. My students are mostly children, and I lost count of how many times the textbooks they use have asked them to learn words like "raft", "gorilla", or "kangaroo" when they don't even know how to ask for help when they are sick or hurt. I regularly go over vocabulary with them that is more useful, but I'm just one teacher and this is a widespread problem.<br><br>I would like to compile lists of the most useful words in English/(students' native language) that I (and other teachers) can use with my students. Does anyone know of a resource that compiles this information?