In general, over-focusing on vocabulary or pre-teaching / insisting on vocabulary first is less successful than focusing first on concept development and peer interactivity. Then, once their are experiences and constructive understanding, teaching the English words will make more sense more quickly. Above, the Freyer diagrams are mentioned and they, or similar approaches, are proven, effective ways to develop concepts alongside vocabulary - for both native Eng speakers and speakers of other languages.
If you have students who do not already have a successful process for translating and transliterating when they are frustrated or need it, then you should work with them to come up with one. If they have been in an Eng speaking school for at least a semester, they should have a process that they can use in all their classes. So, if you’re not sure what to suggest, there for sure is a teacher in your school who can help you out with that.
Good luck!